The living room of Toorak Garden opens to the backyard and pool.

August 20, 2021

Words: Carlene Olsen

Photography: Sharyn Cairns

Conrad Architects Reimagines the Palladian Villa Typology in Melbourne

Referencing the typology of classic Palladian villas with manicured lawns, layered greenery, and symmetric forms, Conrad Architects designed a new build in Melbourne, Australia, which appears at home among the area’s historic residences. Thick, masonry walls, expansive patio doors, and a sculptural façade marked by a grid of windows, ground the home, instilling a sense of “quiet permanence,” the architects note, citing the connection between interior and exterior spaces.

The exterior of the home features an expansive grid of windows.
The exterior of the home features an expansive grid of windows.

With a symmetrical layout designed around a central axis, the home offers a primary sightline throughout, furthering the relationship between the garden and the interiors. Whimsical features, from a private entry court with a reflection pond to a spiral staircase that offers views of the garden, pool, and cityscape, ensure every detail enriches the space with depth and character. The exterior frame even forms a pergola-type structure with retractable awnings to further extend the living space into the outdoors similar to a traditional Italian-style terrace, capturing the spirit of a Palladian villa.

In the private entry court, a sculpture rises from a reflection pond near a set of timber doors.
In the private entry court, a sculpture rises from a reflection pond near a set of timber doors.
A bespoke installation of 50 Fizi ball lights by Articolo hang above the dining area.
A bespoke installation of 50 Fizi ball lights by Articolo hang above the dining area.
  • The spiral staircase leads to a first-floor landing and turns to offer a view of the garden, pool, and cityscape beyond.
    The spiral staircase leads to a first-floor landing and turns to offer a view of the garden, pool, and cityscape beyond.
  • Rooms throughout the home offer garden views, such as this study.
    Rooms throughout the home offer garden views, such as this study.
  • The interior palette of warm woods and subtle neutrals offers a calming counterpoint to the angular austerity of the house’s armature.
    The interior palette of warm woods and subtle neutrals offers a calming counterpoint to the angular austerity of the house’s armature.
  • A variety of marbles are on display in the powder room, which features tonally distinct hers-and-his ensuites.
    A variety of marbles are on display in the powder room, which features tonally distinct hers-and-his ensuites.
  • The kitchen includes Stone Italiana quartz countertops, limewash paint and oak joinery and floors. Patio doors open to the outdoors.
    The kitchen includes Stone Italiana quartz countertops, limewash paint, and oak joinery and floors. Patio doors open to the outdoors.

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