“Buffalo to beauty”

Originally established and occupied by the Royal Antediluvian Order Of Buffaloes This heritage example has undergone a breathtaking transformation, retaining all its grandeur and generosity of proportion.

Twin three level apartments can now be enjoyed through clever design and space management.

Client Brief

To create two luxury apartments which would be unique in size to the otherwise smaller allotted Carlton area.

Important was to keep its heritage integrity intact, and create interesting spaces throughout,

City views were also high on the list….

Response

The heritage importance did not allow the front façade to be modified and very little change to the rear façade. This resulted in the asymmetric division of the building allowing for both occupancy to maximize light penetration and views.

An unusual car parking solution made it possible to utilize the rear laneway With the use of a remote controlled turn plate.  After negotiations with council heritage advisors a third level was conceived by lifting part of the existing hall roof and split leveling the floor front to back. This now overcome the loss of ground floor area to the garages.  

Bedroom 1 on the third level and living areas to the second floors would showcase the city views 3800 high ceilings to living rooms give a grand feel to the apartments.

Light voids, court yards, and balconies create atmosphere.

Smaller details integrated the theme,    i.e.: stairs were designed to incorporate the timber taken from other parts of the building.  The outer walls were stripped back to expose the original brickwork and give a semi industrial feel.  Some existing steelwork was left exposed….