The commercial accommodation and retail development, Art House Townhouses, situated in the CBD heart of Bright, Victoria, is a recently completed project which enlists Melbourne architect Peter Sandow of FMSA Architecture to design the highly modernist and appealing complex. It has further elevated Bright Alpine Builders’ reputation as leaders in commercial and residential alpine construction.

Bringing together a group of creative minds, each in support of Steve’s wife Kath – whose love of fine Australian contemporary art had initiated the project’s conception – Art House Townhouses is as much about Australian art as it is about its scenic surrounds. Along with Peter, Steve and Kath’s input, hospitality professionals, interior designers and town planners have each contributed their expertise to help strengthen the project. The design ingeniously pays homage to Bright’s historic semi-industrial-era buildings while incorporating visual design cues that marry the complex to its mountainous surrounds. Internally, Kath’s concept of interior colour schemes that mirror the limited edition prints by Australian artists including John Olsen and Joy Hester and others, presents a class-leading art-themed accommodation option that’s a visual feast. As a positive sign of things to come, this expertly crafted new development is a welcome addition to one of Australia’s most visited and progressive tourist towns.

Featuring modern architecture that sits harmoniously in its regional setting, Art House Townhouses encompass a long list of attractions that set them apart from other commercial properties. Boasting a 7 star energy rating and luxuriously appointed premium fittings throughout, their generous floor plans provide space for large designer kitchens with butler pantries and premium appliances, sun-drenched private balconies with mountain views, and designer furniture which present a truly refreshing new take on Australian alpine-inspired interior design.

We spoke to master builder Steve Graves about how the project got off the ground, and how decisions were formed to enable such a successful outcome.

What’s your connection to FMSA Architecture and why were they chosen to work on the design?

‘I’ve been working with architect Peter Sandow of FMSA now for 23 years, and I have a good personal and working relationship with him,’ says Steve. ‘We’ve worked on numerous projects together including Mount Hotham’s Karoondah Apartments, Koomerang Ski Club and Police Station – all fantastic contemporary developments that have proven both highly successful and creatively inspiring projects,’

What were some of the initial considerations made in regard to the relatively narrow but long, back-sloping parcel of land?

‘The block is zoned commercial and the Alpine Shire were very keen to further develop commercial projects in the area to help extend Bright’s CBD. So it was a no brainer to make the decision to incorporate a commercial aspect which included several ground floor shops facing Wills Street, with penthouse apartment above, as a key part of the project. As the block is quite considerable in size as it slopes down behind, it allowed for several townhouses to be built. Another reason for choosing the block was for the lovely northern aspect allowing ample sunlight to flood into the buildings. The penthouse and townhouses are designed expressly with tourism accommodation rental in mind.’

Each of the four townhouses features large entries, generously wide hallways, rather grand well-lit staircases, plus a host of premium features which combine to make an extremely appealing first impression. There’s an understated feeling of luxury that’s a result of the precise and well-thought-out floorplan, meticulous building design and finely achieved construction.

The Penthouse is accessed by a ground floor entrance and central staircase on Wills Street, positioned between two immaculately presented retail and office premises either side. Steve explains how these have been quickly filled with tenants – the larger shopfront with an accountant and lawyer utilising the space, and a massage aromatherapy business leasing the smaller commercial space.

What point of difference does the development bring to the Bright region?

‘Obviously it’s a very modern and contemporary fit-out, but what it also brings to Bright is a new level of architecture – to me the lines of the building are quite strong; the design blends in well with the surrounding mountains and also the materials chosen allow the complex to fit well within the historic streetscape.’

‘We’ve chosen to use bricks similar in appearance to those used to build the 140-year-old theatre that’s across the road, plus other materials that have a semi-industrial warehouse appeal, yet modernised in a way so as to meet the streetscape design as desired by the Shire.’

The townhouses feature two types of external cladding, forming a second level above the brick and concrete block ground floor level. A Colorbond product called Standing Seam Cladding, in a deep neutral basalt tone is a fantastic choice. Fire retardant Axon flat-panel sheets are also used to elegantly frame upper balconies in a detailed split-section layout design. The overall completed row of townhouses, with their slanted roofs and gradient-stepped earth and eucalypt-toned Axon panel painted colour schemes, mimic the undulating folds of layered alpine peaks as seen in the distance.

The Penthouse features exposed steel beams internally. Steve explains this was to apply a masculine look, showcasing the backbone of the building. This works well with the variations in the building shape – it’s not square – as well as the choice of an open-plan living space with adjoining balcony, complete with black steel balustrade. The same black gloss, painted steel, vertical-railed balustrade design is repeated in each of the rear townhouses, framing the staircases. ‘They of course confirm to Australian safety standards, but I also wanted something with slender lines that were easy to see through, but also something that created a strong visual impact and a sense of everlasting soundness and safety,’ explains Steve.

Another unique factor within the Penthouse is the polished select-grade spotted gum timber flooring, which faultless in quality – lacking any knots that require fillers – has a deep colour tone that appears almost antique –– just like a restored historic warehouse floor. The overall effect is convincing, ultimately making the space feel as though it’s a cool converted warehouse, rather than a new building. North-facing slim horizontal-style windows, minimalist ceiling light fittings and charcoal porcelain kitchen bench tops bolster the industrial feel – a look with a modern edge to it. Added comforts include underfloor heating, heated towel rails and area-focused designer light fittings, allowing for multiple mood changes.

In each of the townhouses the wide stairwells are a striking feature with graduated-fall pendant dome clusters lighting the space. Climbing the stairs reveals the upper balustrades as sleek, straight-edged painted Gyprock panels that seamlessly connect to the living room/kitchen wall. The design opens the space up and brings in direct northern sunlight to illuminate the stairwell. At ground level, entry areas are large enough to lob your suitcases or wheel a bike in, making it perfect for a late-night first arrival. There’s also inbuilt bench seating here, providing space to sit while changing footwear.

Bedrooms are ultra luxurious with thick wool carpets underfoot and elegant slimline windows which allow light to sneak in while maintaining a desired comforting sense of privacy. Master bedrooms each feature King beds, large ensuite bathrooms and private alcoves with small table settings, suitable for outdoor reading or morning coffee. Afternoon cheese platters and local wine is best served on the large north facing balconies. Each of the townhouses are two bedroom with a second combined bathroom/laundry; the Penthouse has three bedrooms: two with ensuite bathrooms plus the second bathroom/laundry positioned opposite bedroom three.

Other impressive specs include solar hot water systems plus double-glazed windows throughout, which reduce noise and further add to the effectiveness of wall and ceiling insulation – combined, these properties deliver the 7 star energy rating. Heating and cooling are provided by reverse cycle split systems which are cleverly integrated – all that can be seen are understated upper wall-panel ducted outlets (linear wall registers). Each bedroom includes its own temperature control, separate to the living spaces.

The Townhouses and Penthouse each feature fine Australian art prints produced by celebrated contemporary artists Margie Sheppard and Dean Bowen. Centred around the art, the soft furnishing elements within each apartment draw on tones and textures found in the colours and moods of the museum quality art on the walls. Two of the four townhouses has been named in memory of Sunday Reed, the patron of artists at Heide – now the Heide Museum of Modern art – and one of her artists, the marvellous Australian modernist Joy Hester. The Penthouse celebrates the renowned contemporary abstract landscape painter John Olsen. The remaining two townhouses have been named for the aforementioned, Margie Sheppard and Dean Bowen, in recognition of the luminous and warmly unique approach taken in their art.

Jacqui Walker of Bright’s Bowerbird Alpine Interiors has applied her skills in delicately balancing earth tones, fabrics and natural timbers with other more modern furnishings. Cookware, stemware, cutlery and crockery are hand selected by Monique Hoedemaker, owner of Bright’s Ginger Baker Cafe & Winebar. Together their finishing touches compliment the series of townhouses and the Penthouse, to offer some of the best tourist accommodation to be found anywhere in Victoria.

Each individual townhouse: Sheppard, Bowen, Hester, Reed and Olsen, showcase interiors of limited edition art prints, flat screen TVs (lounge and bedrooms), free WIFI, plus generous living spaces dressed with the finest in European and Australian made designer furniture.

Art House Townhouses
Wills Street, Bright, Victoria
Bookings can now be made by contacting Kellie Gray at Dickens Real-estate Bright.
Tel 03 5755 1307
brightholidays.com.au

Bright Alpine Builders
Porepunkah, Victoria
Tel 0418 607 666
brightalpinebuilders.com.au

With interest rate rises and cost of living increases there is a growing trend towards ‘homecations’. All across the country, homes are being redesigned with a big emphasis on creating a resort-style, coastal vibe where everyone in the family can relax and embrace their increased home-time.

Whether you live in an inner-city apartment or a large rural property, there are numerous ways you can transition your home to serve new and different purposes. Spaces where we can entertain, work and most importantly, relax.

Creating a resort-style feel all starts with merging the indoor and outdoor spaces. It is important your outdoor space offers the same level of comfort as your indoor spaces. As a rule outdoor furniture should be luxuriously comfortable with plenty of space to both entertain and put your feet up.

Introducing a statement piece like a large, comfortable daybed is the perfect way to combine maximum comfort with indulgent resort-style living. While some of us might have space for an indulgent four-poster daybed, even a small balcony can be revamped with a modular sofa or hanging chair to create your own outdoor oasis.

Skyline Design offers a magnificent selection of outdoor furniture which feature in many major hotel chains around the world. Their pieces are all naturally inspired designed to mimic the natural environments.

Naturally Inspired Materials Bring the Outdoors In

We are drawn to spaces that evoke memories from far away spaces and laid back locales. This can be done in so many ways, from the materials we use to the selection of artwork and furniture and layout of our homes.
Natural materials filled with organic character and tactile materials bring a welcomed addition to interiors, reminding us of the beauty of the natural world around us. We want our indoor spaces to feel light, bright and airy, and this can be achieved with natural pieces which help invoke the beauty of coastal elegance. Materials like linens, corals, marble, raffian, abaca and fossilised clamshells are all timeless materials.
Boyd Blue offers a stunning collection of naturally inspired furniture utilising timeless natural materials. They celebrate nature in all its beauty, weaving curious layers of natural fibres, materials and textures with elegant shapes and ethereal design. From the perfectly refined to the handmade and the character-filled, their Natural Wonders Collection showcases the best in naturally inspired furniture and lighting.
boydblue.com/collections/natural-wonders

One of our favourite pieces from the collection is the Antilles, these pieces are delicate and detailed, handcrafted and reminiscent of elegantly shaped corals

Another on-trend material is fossilised clamshells. These curious fossils are found on the top of remote mountains in Asia, often embedded in ancient lava flows. The clamshells have been inlaid in a cast base. It’s these quirky layers of natural materials and finishes that help connect us with the natural world, transforming us from our suburban landscape.

Versed in the beauty of the wilderness, Raffia furniture combines a warm palette with rugged elements to create a refined sense of elegance. Raffia is a natural fibre harvested from a specific type of palm tree that grows in Africa, South America and the Philippines. The fibre is produced from a membrane on the underside of each individual frond leaf that’s taken off to create a long thin strand that can be dyed and woven, much like a textile. This versatile fibre has been used for centuries. Its soft but pliable texture has made it a popular material for covering furniture.

Regardless of your space merging the indoors with the outdoors is a way to make your home feel like a coastal oasis, a space to feel inspired and at ease.

About Shelly Boyd

Twenty years ago Shelley Boyd founded Boyd Blue in Sydney, selling handmade furniture, lighting, home decor and textiles sourced locally and from around the globe made from sustainable products.

Having achieved her desire to bring beautiful textiles to Australia, Shelly has gone on to expand Boyd Blue to service the niche interior design market with customised furniture and visual art. She currently manages a team of design professionals and has offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
boydblue.com

Born and raised in Benalla, Luke has established family ties in the High Country Victoria spanning generations, and his parents and brother still live there. After 20 years of study and work in Melbourne, he and his family relocated to Mansfield and opening a studio to represent this new chapter seemed a natural next step.

Essentials recently spoke with Luke about his return to his Victorian High Country roots.

We’re pleased to learn of your return to High Country. Can you explain what you’ll add to the region regarding functional living and design?

As we understand it, we are the only Architecture and Interior Design practice in the High Country. The population growth we have seen since the pandemic has made these beautiful regional Victorian areas even more desirable for a lot of people, and we plan to be able to provide the same high level of design and service in these areas as we have been in others for a long time. With offices in Melbourne and Mansfield, we can provide our clients with a unique offering.

What have been some of your finest achievements – designs that have come full circle and changed people’s lives and why?

Every completed project is an achievement, and our projects do change the lives of those who experience them. It’s hard to describe that sometimes, but it’s much more than people realise. Our projects aren’t just pretty pictures in a magazine; they will change the way you live, impact your happiness and the way you connect with your family and your impact on the environment. Beyond that, in 2020, I was named one of Australia’s top five emerging designers, which was very humbling.

What factors do design considerations require vs. designing for Melbourne and seaside locations?

Beyond the project’s aesthetics, site context and weather conditions are probably the most significant factors in a coastal setting with prevailing winds and salt air. Projects in Melbourne require more consideration of heritage, streetscape and town planning requirements. Of course, no matter the location, there are always consistent considerations across the board for things like functionality, environmental impact and budget.

What high country projects are you currently working on, and what does the future hold?

We currently have five projects in the High Country – one on Mt Buller, one in Merrijig and three in Mansfield. These are all residential projects, and the future holds much more of these high-end homes, but we also want to expand into more multi-residential, hospitality and commercial projects too, which is in line with what we have been working towards in Melbourne for some time. We intend to focus on country projects from the Yarra Valley all the way to Albury, including Falls Creek and Hotham.

What are some current and/or future trends in home design, and what should people consider in a new design to make it eco-friendly and cost-saving (energy-wise).

People should prioritise quality over quantity by understanding their needs vs. wants and focusing on this, resulting in a higher-performing house (energy-wise). This also means less compromise when it comes to selecting all of the things you see and use every day, light fittings, tapware etc.

What’s your current favourite winery, restaurant and cafe in High Country – what are your tips?

Delatite Winery has quickly become a favourite with its beautiful new cellar door. The Fields is a fun restaurant with a delicious menu, and Mansfield Coffee Merchant has the best coffee I’ve had in a long time (and that’s coming from a Melbourne coffee snob, ha!)

For more information visit: lukefry.com.au

The Last Run is a no-expenses-spared chalet for those seeking luxury with a distinctive resort-like ambience. The Chalet’s architects, Grounds Kent, are best known for their hotel projects in Bali; and for this residence they called in Roman architect Giovanni d’Ambrosio to weave some extra magic.

The Chalet accommodates six people, but if you want to invite a few extra friends around, the dining room allows for a dinner party of twelve. While food is being prepared, guests can take turns in the four-person spa bath which sits between the living and dining areas, with it own bar. Guests even have their own powder-room, which thanks to underfloor heating, is a pleasure to walk to in bare feet, even in the middle of winter. If this sound opulent with friends, try having the place to yourselves.

With commanding village views, the master bedroom is so spacious that the king bed looks small; and if you don’t fancy sharing your spa, the en suite also has a deep spa tub, as well as a huge walk-in twin rain shower, his and hers basins, and luxury toiletries.

Close to the shuttle bus stop, The Last Run contains ample facilities to dry-off after a day’s skiing, and it’s only a minute’s stroll to the Onsen Retreat and Spa, as well as some of the mountain’s best food and drink including Mountain Kitchen, Hotel High Plains and Blizzard Brewery. While it’s one of the earliest developments within the Dinner Plain village, Last Run Chalet, we feel, is one of the most extravagant examples of boom time Australian alpine architecture.

Accommodation

Maximum 6 guests, 3 bedrooms (king, queen and 2 singles) and a sofa-bed in the snug. Undercover parking for 1 car.

We Like

Central to Dinner Plain’s restaurants and brewery, the Onsen Retreat and Spa and the Shuttle Bus stop. Walking straight into a toasty-warm chalet with no need to queue for a check-in, you only need a pin number. The opulence: typified by the four-person spa adjoining the living room.

The Last Run Chalet
Big Muster Drive, Dinner Plain, Victoria
letsbookhotel.com