Villa Glen is a 1930s Interwar Villa located on a curved tree lined street in Toorak, with sweeping panoramic views across the leafy suburb. Two major renovations to the property had previously been undertaken including alterations by McGlashan Everest in 1967, and an extension in 2003.
The project included the renovation of the heritage villa, alterations to the ground floor to create a large open plan kitchen and living space, and a sympathetic first floor addition to accommodate a parents’ retreat.
Once a stubborn floor plan, the design unlocked the space planning giving rise to clearly defined living, working, and sleeping zones for teenagers and adults alike; a fresh modernised home for a family of five and our client’s enviable collection of contemporary Australian and Asian Art.
The heritage house was carefully replanned to include a sitting room adjoining the dining room, a spacious new kitchen and family room, and a home office. A stair was relocated to connect with the first-floor rumpus room, master suite, private terrace, and the children’s bedrooms.
Central to the experience of the interior is the introduction of new openings between rooms, providing curated sight lines to the spectacular collection of art and creating moments of delight.
Drawing inspiration from 1930s art deco interiors and in particular Le Corbusier’s c.1931 architectural polychromy, the interiors combine harmonious colour palettes with contemporary detailing. The interior design provides a canvas for the art collection often subtle and delicate in colour, with spaces that also hold bold and dynamic sculpture and furniture. Marbled stone, brass accents, deep walnut timber flooring and joinery with pops of pink provide interest, texture, and depth to this grand old dame.
