Gallery Inspired Melbourne Apartment Renovation by BoardGrove Architects.

Located in Melbourne’s inner west, this joyful apartment renovation was recently completed by young local practice BoardGrove Architects, founded in 2016 by Grove and Holly Board. The designers reconfigured the layout of the dwelling to maximise access of natural light whilst streamlining the circulation between spaces to create multiple openings and routes between each compartment.

As the living, dining and cooking spaces were open plan, the designers wanted to avoid having a stereotype functional kitchen as the backdrop to the living space. Instead, they aimed to create a more ambiguous cooking area that appeared as a collection of art like objects.

Three objects were developed – a solid Corian bench, a larger metal arched door raised off the floor placed against the wall, and a complimentary arched reveal. Between these three elements, the sink, the oven, the cook-top and the fridge are all accommodated. Additional storage and appliance areas are located out of eyesight nearby.

The gallery concept for the kitchen is continued into the corridors, where the architects installed a slender, long shelf for the placement of art, books and other objects.

The palette of materials, ranging from white, pink and soft greys was chosen to compliment and soften the tones of the existing concrete floor and walls, adding warmth and visual interested to the space.

[Photography by Haydn Cattach.]