Starling Street

The artistic hub of Montsalvat is the inspiration behind these townhouse-style units.

Darren Cole-Sinclair says the three-bedroom Montmorency homes feature key elements which reflect the iconic tourist attraction. On the outside, passers-by will note the façade has high, cantilevered rooflines as well as rendered foam walls with timber planks, well-positioned glass and a stone feature base.

“It picks up on a Montsalvat-style theme with stone, high ceilings and neutral timber cladding,’’ Darren says. “We decided to opt for typical Eltham/Montmorency materials which would complement the surrounding leafy environment.’’

While the three compact units blends effortlessly into an established Monty streetscape, they offer more than good external looks. They have a contemporary feel inside and outside, delivering stylish yet practical living spaces. Polished spotted gum floors set the wow-factor tone for the rest of the home’s interior. Visitors also will be impressed by high ceilings to both the reasonably sized main bedroom and study/lounge, which create a strong sense of light and space. And both zones have sliding door access to a patio/terrace, allowing the occupants to have an indoor-outdoor living option. The main bedroom is further distinguished by a substantial built-in robe and an ensuite with reconstituted stone vanity and a semi-recessed handbasin. Two other good-size bedrooms feature built-in robes and handy hydronic wall heating units. A smart, modern kitchen is the centrepiece of the open-plan kitchen/meals/family zone. It offers a mix of timber and high-gloss cabinetry, reconstituted stone benchtops, electric appliances including a 700mm wall oven, a built-in pantry and a partial breakfast bar for casual dining.

In keeping with most contemporary designs, the open-plan area has an indoor-outdoor dimension courtesy of sliding door access from the family area to the outside, setting up summer entertaining opportunities.

A concealed and sizeable double garage with internal access is another major bonus with this home.

Darren believes this design is a good example of “efficient use of space’’.  ‘‘For instance, the study area to the front can be used as a home office or as a dining space, depending on your needs,’’ he says.

“It’s a compact home close to shops and services,’’ Darren points out. “The Montmorency station is only 200 metres away, and the shops 300 metres.’’

The architect believes this design is the face of the future for the Diamond Valley. “In terms of design they (the three units) are very simple and work very well,’’ he says. “They have clean lines and are very minimalistic. They’ve proved to be very popular, with all three selling off the plan before we had completed construction. Depending on the location we can design something similar for a potential client.’’

Billings Long director and co-founder Damien Long says this townhouse-style unit will suit retirees, professional couples and young families looking for a contemporary, low-maintenance home.

Project description written and featured by project partner Billings Long