dKO Architecture have completed the “Prahbu Apartment” in Melbourne CBD, Victoria, Australia. The official project description goes like this: “A quiet retreat nestled above the fracas of its inner-urban environment, this apartment acts as counterpoint to traditional notions of small apartment living. Despite the apartment’s modest footprint, the careful selection and placement of materials, finishes and furniture allows the space to feel like an expansive and robust family home. Contrary to conventional apartment typology the space brings entertainment opportunities to the forefront. Its inhabitants no longer need to go out for dinner with friends and family: cleverly integrated storage and seating opportunities both inside and out allow them to host the party themselves without feeling cramped or inhibited.
A restrained colour palette of earthy neutrals highlighted with pops of vibrant colour helps to provide warmth and a connection with the environment that might otherwise be lost within the apartment embedded in the surrounding concrete jungle.The material, finish and furniture intent was driven by our client’s desire to create a warm and open family environment, a notion which was largely contradicted by the cool, hard finishes and low ceilings of the existing space. Furniture selections are elegant and grounded in order to visually heighten the space, whilst warm, textural upholstery selections are robust enough to withstand the rough and tumble of small children and family gatherings.”