Arno Residence by Adele Bates - Project Feature Melbourne Architecture

The Local Project Arno Residence By Adele Bates Local Australian Architecture & Design 7

South Africa is a long way from the leafy Melbourne suburb of Toorak. Arno Residence by Adele Bates embraces this journey, infusing the contemporary interiors with a sense of the clients’ South African heritage.

The architecture of the existing heritage home was revived by architects Baley Ward, with a focus on creating a more fluid transition throughout the spaces, uniting the heritage and contemporary aspects of the design, and bringing more natural light into the home. Complementing these aims, the interiors by Adele Bates emphasise high-impact pieces to create a sense of character, balanced with a calming monochromatic palette.

The Local Project Arno Residence By Adele Bates Local Australian Architecture & Design 3

The Arno Residence embraces high-impact pieces that infuse a sense of the clients’ personality balanced with a tranquil monochromatic palette.

The interior design creates interest in the tension between elements that are defined by raw or handmade qualities and the project’s overall unified sense of refinement and elegance. Concrete benches, aged copper tapware, and dark timber flooring that finds beauty and tactility in subtle imperfections, emphasise the beauty of materials that improve with age. This is also seen in the eclectic selection of new and vintage dining chairs, and soft grey linen curtains that cocoon the space.

The architecture of the existing heritage home was revived by architects Baley Ward.

A graphic rug, whose striking blue pattern creates an accent that recalls the vibrancy of South Africa, harmonises with the clients’ existing collection of South African-focused art and decor. Bold patterns are found again floor rugs throughout the home, and in the striking black and white ensuite. Yet the interior’s willingness to engage with the eclectic and the graphic is approached with care – clean lines and generous spaces hold the more bold design gestures, creating a deliberate balance that emphasises restraint.

The Local Project Arno Residence By Adele Bates Local Australian Architecture & Design 1

A sense of calm is created through the home’s connection to nature which is felt in the abundance of natural light and visual links through expansive glazing to the stands of bamboo that surround the kitchen and dining area.

The home’s connection with the outdoors becomes a third element of the interior, one that creates an atmosphere of sanctuary. The living space is lit from above with a rear skylight that imbues the space with soft filtered light, and another skylight illuminates the shower in the ensuite, in each case creating a sense of calm. The kitchen and dining area, meanwhile, are wrapped by glazed walls that open immediately onto stands of bamboo, whose textured greenery recalls the tranquillity of a Japanese garden.

Interweaving the clients’ personality and heritage throughout each aspect of the home, the interiors take on a unique identity. Creating interest through contrast, the interiors extend and complement the architectural brief that sees old and new united into one contemporary, diverse home.