Oxford Street Apartment by Design + Diplomacy
Oxford Street Apartment is an inspiring brick home located in Melbourne, Australia, designed in 2018 by Design + Diplomacy.
About Oxford Street Apartment
Revitalizing Space with a Dark, Industrial Flair
The clients envisioned a dark kitchen that nodded to the industrial vibe of the iconic Collingwood Foy & Gibson building where it resides. Initially, the design failed to make the most of the expansive space, leaving areas underutilized. However, by expanding the kitchen’s footprint to the window and adding a return, we more than doubled the initial storage capacity.
Craftsmanship Meets Functionality
In Hobart, Cordwell Lane builders expertly crafted and folded the steel island bench top. Meanwhile, Mark Gauci at Complete Interior Design took charge of all joinery, ingeniously creating a custom-made round pull-function specifically for this project. Adhering to a monochrome palette allowed us to incorporate multiple textures, achieving a remarkably minimalistic result. Despite the existing building’s peculiar angles, our goal was to forge a functional space.
Our innovative approach included a linear motif inspired by bluestone Turkish tiles and security glass beneath the island, contrasted by a plywood shadow line under the bench top. This strategy skillfully shifted focus away from the challenging angle of the first floor mezzanine.
Expanding Beyond the Kitchen
We also broadened the apartment’s interior by relocating the original external doors and converting an extension of the courtyard into a sunroom. This not only increased the living space but also enhanced the connection with the outdoors.
Innovative Materials for Modern Living
Our commitment to durability and low maintenance led us to Fenix NTM, a groundbreaking bench top material. Known for its anti-fingerprint properties and resistance to dry heat, scratches, and abrasions, Fenix NTM stands out with its ultra-matte, low light-reflective surface. Impressively, thermal healing can repair any surface scratches, ensuring the kitchen remains pristine.
By thoughtfully blending functionality with aesthetic appeal, we’ve transformed the space into a testament to modern design and innovative use of materials.
Photography by Dylan Lark
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- by Matt Watts
