Janet Butler
These homes’ appearance is a touch deceptive: at first, Aspendale apartments from Wolveridge Architects look like lots of other new construction only a year or so old — but there are some intriguing differences, as you’ll see once you’ve moved around to the back “yards.” There, the setting is almost wild, a shoreline with wide vistas that give these private residences in Victoria, Australia, great views…and more. They’re in fact a replacement of a rundown set of dwellings; they now comprise two-level homes, each with its own private sheltered north-facing courtyard (protecting occupants from sometimes unpleasant westerly winds off the ocean). At the same time that these apartments provide complete privacy, however, they also afford several nice surprises, one of them being the amount of natural light enhancing the interiors.
This ambient light comes by way of expanses of glass that face the shoreline, as well as clever use of skylights (notice what looks like a “sunken” ceiling is actually the edge of a vast sky view!). Melding the indoors and outdoors is easy in this setting; in summertime, an inviting private pool beckons, and sliding glass doors afford the residences both cross-ventilation and ready access to outdoor decks and entertaining areas. Wood flooring unifies the décor; courtyards are landscaped with native plants that provide cheerful greenery and color against the neutral white walls and zinc cladding. In renovating this formerly drab block, Wolveridge has put together three truly custom dwellings — each attuned to optimum comfort, privacy, and taking advantage of its splendid setting.
