Urban Garden House in Toorak by Rob Mills Architecture & Interiors.

Designed by Rob Mills Architecture & Interiors, Urban Garden House in Melbourne’s Toorak is the epitome of contemporary luxury, combining a youthful spirit with cosmopolitan family living. Spaces unfold with an undeniable sense of sophistication, and an openness that is surprising given the humble sized block its located on. With careful consideration and meticulous planning, Rob Mills has created a home that is perfectly moulded to the young family residing within its walls.

Aptly named, Urban Garden House appears as if a jungle has slowly started to wrap its green body around the exterior. Dark finishes and oversized rectilinear silhouettes dominate the façade, creating a somewhat dictating presence on the streetscape. However, the strength of these materials is juxtaposed by lush greenery that grows freely around the exterior shell. The striking contrast captures our attention, drawing us in, willing us to open the front door to discover what lies within.

The client, a young professional couple, owns one of Melbourne’s best-known restaurants and possesses a deep love for entertaining and cooking. Therefore, one of the most special spaces within the home has got to be the kitchen that acts as the heartbeat of the whole project. The open plan scheme becomes the perfect place for friends and family to gather, an island bench able to be transformed from a juice bar in the morning to a social bar in the evening. Marble benchtops sit alongside polished concrete floors and brass fixtures, creating a space layered with different textures and neutral tones. The result is an elegant kitchen that is just as functional as it is beautiful.

The home is largely dominated with light neutral tones creating a fresh and contemporary feel. However, despite this, colour is still interwoven throughout with a dedicated pink-hued room. Peachy pink marble sits alongside lilac upholstered furniture and carpet creating a hidden, private escape.

The home is divided into a series of larger open plan areas that are easily dividable into much smaller, more intimate zones. Interior spaces flow into the exterior, extending living areas into the garden, creating lovely places for quiet family moments or group entertaining. This connection with nature continues onto the rooftop terrace that offers views back over to the city, architects outlining, “it’s a wonderful space where you can escape, surrounded by the sky, to enjoy some quiet time among the stars… or sip a few cocktails as the sun sets over our beautiful city”.

Related: Rob Mills’ Own Award-Winning Residence in Melbourne’s Armadale.

[Images courtesy of Rob Mills Architecture & Interiors. Photography by Timothy Kaye.]