Designing a new multi-residential project next to buildings by modernist architects Romberg and Boyd is no easy feat, but DKO Architecture’s new St Kilda apartments in Melbourne manages to pay homage to its neighbours while presenting a graceful form to the street.

Featuring sculptural balconies that add a ‘soft touch’ façade to the building, Queens Domain is a 20 storey apartment block that sits in the landscape, alongside the “traditionalist and functionalist” Stanhill and Newborn Flats defined by sweeping open balconies and fine glass detailing.

“Queens Domain takes up the next thread in this story reinterpreting existing elements, while showcasing the design and construction techniques of our time,” explains DKO Principal, Koos de Keijzer.

This is expressed predominantly in the glasswork and the balustrading, while an interplay of deep curve balconies and wall elements bring out the podium level, announced by dramatic, sculptural colonnades.

The tower elements expand on these contemporary, sculptural qualities, and have been designed “to reach for the sky”, its curved form and deep set balconies providing shading, particularly on the west.

The building’s leafy location also inspired the apartment interiors, which uses abundant natural lighting and refined colour schemes to create sophisticated units that have an “easy luxury”, says Sonia Simpfendorfer, creative director of Nexus Designs.

These "luxurious appointments" include limestone flooring, backlit splashbacks, custom-moulded worktops, designer Pianca Wardrobes that can be personalised, and bathrooms with contrasting stone tiles and timber features.

Comprising 238 one, two and three bedroom apartments, Queens Domain includes a communal lounge, swimming pool and rooftop space that offers barbeque areas enclosed within a tall glazed balustrade.

It will be completed in 2017.

Communal lounge

Concierge

Geraldine Chua

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