Toorak Residence

by Hecker Guthrie

From the Architect

Taking cues from its Brazilian-inspired architectural typology, Toorak Residence sees strong clean lines and bold geometries come together with a refined luxury. The palette is purposely minimal and restrained, with warm hand-charred timber battens and vertical screens externally encasing the form. The bladed screens act primarily as privacy, allowing for an openness and connection between inside and out. The play on shadows is also considered, as a dance across the site and landscape.

The second floor is intended to have a sense of it floating, with essentially two main volumes that wrap around the Paul Bangay manicured garden and pool. Designed with Brazilian studio Jacobsen Arquitetura, the interior spaces were designed to enhance this sense of openness and connection, with an integrated approach to surfaces and joinery.

Upon entry, the floating stair treads welcome guests, connecting three levels. The basement level is a showcase of the owner’s collection of curated motors and houses a wine room and cinema. The main level is dominated by an open planned living, dining and kitchen space with uninterrupted views to the landscaping beyond. The upper floor then sees a series of more intimate spaces, libraries, bedrooms and utility. The glowing opaque glass block wall adds an intimate glow to these spaces, while also providing a mottled screen from its residential setting.

Toorak Residence is a deliberately sophisticated and curated series of volumes, that allow for a connected life, and a sense of un-encumberance.