Named for its bronze veil that captures the euphoric afternoon light like the golden leafy trees that line the streets of Hawthorn, The Auburn is a series of individually designed apartments that share a striking, yet sensitive façade within a heritage neighbourhood. Set among a canopy of mature trees, the buildings dynamic and deeply fenestrated façade showcases a bold yet harmonious composition of natural Australian materials alongside reflective metals, designed to dissipate its form and nestle within its own native garden. This building presents an alternative living model for the downsizing buyer, offering family scaled apartments that combine sophistication, warmth, texture and a deep connection to its surrounds.

The project is the result of working with a client who is both the developer and builder. The design utilises construction expertise and a willingness to experiment with materials to create a genuine point of difference in the bespoke multi-residential market. The brief was to maximise the site and utilise construction expertise of steelwork and masonry.

Taking a highly personal approach each apartment is distinctly different in configuration, yet all focus on refined moments of comfort. Despite being a south facing block, a unique roof form allows northern light to penetrate the building

Multi-residential design is typically associated with repetition, modular living and buildings shaped by planning setbacks. While maximising its potential envelope, this building successfully erodes its mass and presents a dynamic and beautiful object to its neighbourhood.

By utilising a design language that draws from a familiar Australian natural landscape aesthetic, the highly textured façade creates a feeling of permanence that sits comfortable next to its 140-year-old neighbours.

Furniture: Ligne Roset, De Sede, Wittmann, Kun, Roda, Domo. Lighting: Ambience Lighting, JSB Lighting, Ben-Tovim Design, Masson for Light. Finishes: Pavers Plus, Helleman Metalworks, Nullabor Timber, Dale Malcolm Agencies, Equiton, Rimex Metals, Artedomus, Sigorino Tiles, EC Group, Royal Oak Flooring, Taubmans, Dulux, Navurban, Caeserstone, Resene, Art Aluminium. Fittings & Fixtures: Reece, Phoenix Tapware, Miele, Qasair.

Photography: Sharyn Cairns