Hecker Guthrie celebrates the Art Deco origins of this Toorak residence originally designed by Marcus Martin in 1938, paying homage to the era with iconic bold geometric patterns and intricate detailing, with subtle curved forms and polished surfaces.
The entrance hall is tiled with four different tones of marble, with black, green, natural and white-hued stones forming a busy, but not overwhelmingly so, herringbone pattern against textured polished plaster walls. Marble takes centre stage of the open plan kitchen and dining space, cladding a generous island and book-matched splashback. A full-height timber partition conceals a butlers pantry on one side, and features a built-in leather banquet seat on the other. An outdoor kitchen sits adjacent, outside on the limestone terrace that runs alongside a narrow pool.
Arched openings and curved ceilings seamlessly connect the horizontal and vertical planes, softening the predominant geometric motifs. Eclectic lights by Apparatus add further personality, including a Cloud XL suspension light resembling balloons on brass chain strings, and sconces made from horsehair, brass and etched glass. Brass fixtures throughout the home enhance the warm tones of French oak herringbone floors in the living and corridor areas.
Spatial planning maximizes natural light with a series of grandly proportioned rooms, with a balance of formal and informal areas across both of the two levels. Custom steel-framed glass partitions add a sense of both connection and enhanced transition between the various spaces.
Luxurious details were not spared, with the master suite featuring two walk-in wardrobes and a private balcony paved with handmade terrazzo tiles. Grand gestures throughout match the original scale of the home. Monolithic joinery pieces sit comfortably within the space, such as tall built-in cupboards propped up on slabs of marble. Intricately articulated details throughout Albany Road see Hecker Guthrie bring this character-filled trophy home back to life.