Rooted in a deep appreciation for Balwyn’s architectural legacy, Maleela Avenue reinterprets the suburb’s rich heritage through a contemporary lens.
The design draws inspiration from the eclectic character of the street – from the order of Georgian Revival to the craftsmanship of Tudor brickwork and the horizontality of Modern forms – weaving these influences into a unified, modern expression.
Set into a gently sloping site, the building’s form is broken into two volumes: one a grounded, classically inspired mass; the other lighter, stretching horizontally to embrace the northern aspect. A central entry cut-out introduces visual relief while creating a welcoming presence along the street.
Three mature trees are preserved along the western frontage, anchoring the development in nature and softening its urban edge. This landscape-led approach is elevated through a collaboration with Jack Merlo, who brings a distinctly Australian sensibility to the integration of greenery throughout the façade and surrounds.
The material palette is refined yet familiar: cream brick, concrete render, and light metal screening evoke the neighbourhood’s tone while delivering durability and warmth. Internally, 31 generously sized apartments prioritise natural light, cross ventilation, and privacy, with layouts designed to maximise northern views and foster a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
At ground level, private street entries and a generous communal courtyard cultivate a sense of neighbourhood. With thoughtful access, enduring materials, and deep contextual awareness, this is a development designed not to disrupt, but to enrich.
Form Development
A look at the existing building set to be demolished, making way for a three-storey development comprising 31 meticulously designed apartments, each averaging 195 square metres.
Three existing street trees are retained, ensuring a seamless blend with the streetscape while providing privacy and protection from the western sun.
A look at the overall site mass before any set backs or cut-outs are introduced.
Responding to the natural slope of the site, the design steps down gradually from south to north. This approach not only ensures harmony within the streetscape, but also optimises access to the northern aspect for Maleela's inhabitants.
Setbacks are used along all sides of the building to respect the size and shape of nearby homes and help it blend in with the surrounding neighbourhood.
Cut-outs are integrated into the building design to improve natural light and airflow through dual-aspect layouts, while also creating shared spaces for residents on the ground floor.
The façade is broken at the main pedestrian entrance, where the building form shifts to feature long horizontal lines that gradually step down toward the northern end of the site.
At key points along the western elevation, the building walls are angled to open up views to the north and create private, sheltered garden spaces for residents.
Landscaping is thoughtfully integrated throughout the site to offer a mix of private and shared spaces for residents. Where possible, direct street access will also be provided from Maleela Avenue.
项目名称：Maleela
项目位置：Balwyn, Victoria
完成年份：2023
项目类型：Multi-Residential
设计团队：Hanah Wexler, Neo Hun Lin, Jacquelyn Mangubat, Frazer Spence, Miranda Keogh
Clients
Chapter Group
Collaborators
Studio Tate, Jack Merlo
- 转载自：Cera Stribley
- 图片©Cera Stribley
- 编辑：序赞网
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