Deliciously Curvalicious West Melbourne Loft Apartment by Adrian Amore.

Buckle up cowboys – it’s is going to be one helluva visual ride! This Deliciously Curvalicious West Melbourne loft apartment by Adrian Amore is a knockout. That staircase, the articulation of light, the sinuous forms and fluid spaces – everything about this project literally brought me to my knees.

Emphasised by a monochrome white on white palette, the twisting, bending walls take centre-stage. Initially a much more square and conventional space – a former butter factory – the interior took on a dynamic tone when the steel truss that cut through the space was removed. With much more room to play with, Mr Amore embraced the opportunity to create something more curvy and flexible.

The dramatic staircase stretches from the ground floor up to the recreational terrace, while the walls wrap and converge throughout. Although not a huge interior, the abundance of potentially space-compromising bends are made possible by the open plan and abundance of natural light. The open roof space that lets the light pour down to the living area, and the stairway that reaches up to the sky is a harmonious pair – both work to connect the areas from top to bottom and create a sense of seamless flow.

Below is a little Q&A with the designer, Adrian Amore of AAA Architects. Also, full props to Fraser Marsden for smokin’ photos. Well played  team! Oh, and just one more thing – this projects is so awesome, I’d like to dedicate a little song to Adrian. Here goes:

When the space hits your eye
Like this architect guy, that’s Amore.
When the stair seems to shine
Like you’ve had too much wine, that’s Amore.

OMG I crack myself up! Get it?

+ What was your design inspiration for this project ? Was it a result of clients brief, a particular concept or idea etc?

The concept for this project evolved as a natural intuitive response to the space. The first schemes were quite different from the final scheme. The space initially had a deep steel truss which divided the space in two, and a low roof to the south, making it difficult to extend and convert into a 3 bedroom apartment, which was part of our clients brief. After some analysis and costings, the client decided to remove the truss. This opened up new opportunities. It was suddenly possible to create a dynamic space, with moving forms, which is a language I am naturally drawn to.
Also part of the brief was to incorporate a recreational rooftop terrace for dining, entertaining, sun bathing. The view from the roof of Melbourne’s city towers, particularly at night is enchanting. I thought it was important that this roof deck had some visual connectivity with the kitchen and living spaces, so it was integrated, rather than separate and disconnected. What followed from this was a ceiling void, which orchestrated this connectivity as well as dramatising the scale of the space.

+ Your favourite thing about this project.

I guess it would be the way that it reveals itself over time. The more time you spend in the space, the more you discover different angles, and viewpoints, which can sometimes stop you in your tracks. These unplanned experiences make it an interesting space to be in.

+ Most challenging aspect?

This project certainly had its fair share of challenges. It was an ambitious project for the client’s budget. Overcoming particular structural obstacles which presented during the construction process was difficult and straining, and at times we became fearful that the overall vision would become compromised as a result.

+ What did you learn from the project?

I learnt how critical the client’s role is in the creation of a good project. Having a client which has trust in the vision of the architect, and allowing the architect to run with it, rather than trying to muddle with it. This is something that once you experience, you value and do not take for granted.

+ Would you have done anything differently?

Absolutely yes, but nothing I can mention here in print!

+ Any interesting /funny/quirky facts you could tell us?

Yes, an interesting historical fact, the apartment’s former use was the men’s urinal at the Western Star Butter factory, which originally occupied this site.

[Spectacular photography by Fraser Marsden.]