Domain Apartments - Cera Stribley

Domain Apartment
South Yarra | 2017

Type
Multi-Residential

Team
Chris Stribley, Matt Hainsworth

Completed in 1962, Domain Park, located in Domain Road, South Yarra, is a highly coveted building and address. Designed by the eminent architect Robin Boyd, overlooking the Royal Botanic Gardens, this high-rise apartment building embraces incomparable views over the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Virtually in original condition, the apartment featured typical styling and spatial configurations from the 1960s, such as the kitchen being fully enclosed, the main bedroom attached to a series of pokey amenities, including a pint-sized walk-in wardrobe, separate laundry and ensuite. Another problem was the exposed electrical conduits, traversing the walls and ceilings. A contemporary fit-out was required.

The bedrooms were rescaled, reducing the dining area to create a study, and the wet areas (located to the south), completely reworked. Given that many of the original plumbing fixtures couldn’t be moved, there had to be a rational approach to not only updating the ensuite, but also creating a separate new guest bathroom.

The wall separating the kitchen and dining area was removed, together with the incorporation of an entirely new fit-out. Stainless steel benches on the utility side combined with marble benches on the island bench, and European oak joinery is treated more like furniture.

Replacing the glass in the sliding doors to the terrace with double-glazing for both thermal and noise control was also incorporated. Being heritage listed meant no changes could be made to the exterior of the apartment, such as the original tiles and balustrade; despite this, the internal interventions enabled the original intention of Boyd’s work to be retained, and elevated for contemporary living needs.