Richmond’s diverse residential landscape welcomes a new apartment project, Farmer Cutter & Swan, by Beams Projects in partnership with Icon Developments and designed by MAArchitects.
Farmer Cutter & Swan represents the honest design principles that both the developers and architects are committed to – creating sensitive architecture that focuses on the human experience.
With this six-level construction, MAArchitects have conceived a small-scale residential building with the care and attention to detail often reserved for single dwelling houses. The building comprises textures and materials that draw on the character of the neighbourhood while heralding a fresh contemporary style. The result is a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments that genuinely stand out.
Living spaces sit beneath exposed concrete ceilings and can lights – a tip of the hat to Richmond’s industrial heritage. Floors balance this urban edge with the warmth of timber and subtly luxurious looped wool carpets, creating a genuinely welcoming environment. Combined with a pared-back interior palette of clean whites, light greys and smart flashes of navy, this considered selection of harmonious surfaces is tonally calming and can’t be underestimated as a fresh and inviting home for easy living.
The ceiling surface extends seamlessly to cover recessed balconies – another example of the architects’ restrained approach to balancing simple practicality and elegant design. With adjustable awnings, a repeating pattern of steel and timber balustrades and screening to create filtered light, give privacy and accommodate climbing greenery, these are relaxing spaces for observing the vibrant Richmond streetscape and bringing the outdoors in.
As ever, a cleverly configured but eminently usable kitchen is integral to apartment living. The sleek styling of stainless steel benches and integrated Miele and Fisher & Paykel appliances offer functionality without adding physical bulk, while exclusively offered, custom-designed furniture pieces can be flexibly configured in the space. A work table or breakfast bar over here becomes extra bench space over there. The kitchen, contained neatly within a timber frame, is unobtrusive, unfussy and clean. People who love room to entertain will be very satisfied with a kitchen that looks just as good as it performs.
The bathroom design’s utilitarian feel still delivers a soothing environment. The subway-style tiling, suspended ceramic basin and simple mirrored cabinet convey a no-fuss attitude perfect for a room dedicated to routine. Neutral tones and the tactility of undeniably high-calibre fixtures lift things to a level where those routines are enjoyed in a quality, relaxing space.
Behind every door are carefully thought-out details, from the custom-designed furniture that can be put to use outside of the kitchen – allowing residents to store neatly or display proudly the things that give their homes individual style – to practical zones dedicated to everyday activity. Think charging stations, somewhere to sit to take care of papers and keeping the laundry ticking over.
Less obvious, but equally appreciated, are the considerations of general living comfort. Excellent cross-ventilation produces fresh breezes and, combined with the building’s thermal mass for insulation, keeps air-conditioning costs down. Every home is afforded plenty of adjustable natural light, with no bedrooms relying on borrowed light, and textured privacy glass and screens ensure comfortable noise levels.
Overall, these apartments hit just the right note with how they interact with the character of their surroundings. The transition from street level to home life, through secure entries and via the landscaped atrium garden, is easy, intuitive and comfortable, so residents arrive through their front doors relaxed and ready to settle in.
Anyone thinking of calling Richmond home knows the vibrancy of this location. An eclectic collection of quintessentially Melbournian cafes, bars and restaurants has long made Richmond a weekend destination, but there’s also an underlying edginess that attracts creative activity and visionary enterprise.
Between the live music scene and proximity to premier sporting and entertainment districts, there’s something for most recreational pioneers. For others, there’s everything a culturally diverse neighbourhood offers: farmers markets, one-off boutiques, galleries and street art, an interior design retail hub, renowned cuisines, wide open green spaces... the list goes on.
With a range of public transport options, and being a quick bike ride to the city and adjacent to trails along the meandering Yarra, Richmond is connected to the best of Melbourne – if it doesn’t already take that title. Farmer Cutter & Swan, at the heart of lively Richmond, is coming soon and is sure to be in demand.
For more information or to enquire about Farmer Cutter & Swan Apartments, click here.
Discover more Off The Plan Apartments in Melbourne here.
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