MELBOURNE, 5 AUGUST 2019
When Frasers Property Australia launched the highly anticipated precinct, The Reserve Homes, at its landmark Burwood Brickworks development last month, it was a chance to unveil a three-year collaboration with leading firm DKO Architecture and showcase the innovative design for the homes, which pay homage to the rich history of the site.
Located 19 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD in the highly sought-after suburb of Burwood East, Burwood Brickworks is a masterplanned mixed-use community featuring approximately 700 detached and semi- detached homes and apartments set amongst 2.5 hectares of open space and parklands, with community facilities and two large public spaces connected to an urban plaza adjoining a shopping centre complete with a rooftop urban farm and restaurant.
The latest precinct, known as The Reserve Homes, includes the release of 78 new family homes, many offering park views and all within a two-minute walk of the development’s central parkland, Green Place.
Focused on providing space for families, the homes designed by DKO Architecture range in size from three to five bedrooms and feature innovative and sophisticated floor plans that split living space into complementary zones across two to three levels.
DKO Architecture housing director Maurice Leone says his team has been working with Frasers Property since July 2016 to bring to life their design vision for the homes, recognising the context of the project being located within an existing neighbourhood and the need for the housing and architecture to integrate with the new social hub and civic amenities.
The aim was to produce the highest quality urban development that celebrates the distinctive surrounds, resulting in a community that connects with the local neighbourhood.
The home designs also needed to cater for an astute housing buyer.
“Flexibility in plans and varied models have been created, from large family homes with abilities for multi- generational living to terrace style living with roof top entertaining that celebrates both the central park features of the development to distant panoramic Melbourne views,” says Mr Leone.
While DKO Architecture has expertise in masterplanned communities and progressive contemporary housing design, Mr Leone says Burwood Brickworks differs from other projects because it “seamlessly integrates an active retail and commercial centre with a considered landscaped parkland realm, bounded by high to medium density housing”.
The homes in this precinct will be unique while celebrating sustainable and passive design principles replicated in the rest of the community.
“Some homes are traditional at ground level with courtyard, indoor-outdoor living models while others flip this model on its head and propose a reverse living plan where the activity areas are at first floor levels as a large, expansive terrace or balcony,” explains Mr Leone.
The arrangement of the dwellings on the site ensures optimum solar orientation is achieved for each home, creating sunny and light-filled living spaces and outdoor areas.
The homes are focussed on sustainability, with features such as solar photovoltaic panels fitted to every roof, installation of water saving taps and showerheads and green master switches built in. These features are not only better for the environment but modelling shows The Reserve Homes are on average 25 to 28
per cent more energy efficient than a standard compliant home, potentially saving home owners up to $496 per year1.
The streetscape of each home was also considered during the design process.
“Each house type is positioned and composed subject to its location,” says Mr Leone.
“Street corners have specially designed homes that not only anchor the suburban blocks but have considered design facades, which address the two street frontages. The rear-loaded terrace homes front parklands and landscape reserves.
“Each house and façade have been specially selected to form a harmonious array of homes.”
The architecture of the homes draws on the rich heritage of the original brickworks. A variety of brick types, colours and patterns are utilised throughout the precinct, with the masonry adding depth, character and heritage to each individual facade.
This sense of individuality is further highlighted through the use of different forms, colours and textures in the house designs. Each house type has a distinct character and uniqueness, and together they contribute to a lively and welcoming streetscape.
“They all borrow from the same natural and layered internal and external material palette,” says Mr Leone.
“The variety of colours, hues, materials and finishes provides an infinite combination of product, which has been carefully composed to create a considered and harmonious assembly of crafted homes.”
The interiors have been designed to directly reflect the surrounding curated green space and community expression of the development. Two understated palettes – Heart and Soul – are inspired by nature to create a layered and neutral interior.
While there is much in the design of the homes to attract buyers, Mr Leone says people will want to live at Burwood Brickworks because of the world class amenity in retail, commercial, residential and parklands Frasers Property is providing.
“The atmosphere the development espouses is to honestly provide a product and design that celebrates what is preached; sustainability, wellness, community and pride of place,” he says.
To find out more visit the sales office, located at 78 Middleborough Rd, Burwood East, open from 12pm until 5pm daily, phone 13 38 38 or visit burwoodbrickworks.com.au