Kew, Victoria, holds a special place in Australia’s architectural history, particularly in the post-war period. Studley Park, an enclave within Kew, is home to a remarkable collection of mid-century residential architecture designed by influential architects such as Robin Boyd, John and Phyllis Murphy, and Guilford Bell. Their work established a distinct architectural language characterized by restrained modernism, strong material presence, and an intimate relationship between built form and landscape.
Fellowship Residence Technical Information
- Architects1-2: Life Architecture
- Location: Kew, Victoria, Australia
- Area: 120 to 250 m2 Apartments | 1,291 Sq. Ft. to 2,690 Sq. Ft.
- Project Year: 2020 – 2024
- Photographs: © Timothy Kaye
Our design outcome is one of beautifully detailed interiors with a timeless and sophisticated colour palette. This allows the end user to curate their space to suit their lifestyle.
– Life Architecture Architects
Fellowship Residence Photographs
Architectural Design and Spatial Qualities
Within this historically significant setting, Fellowship by Life Architecture emerges as a contemporary reinterpretation of these architectural ideals. Developed in collaboration with SORA Interiors and landscape architect Jack Merlo, the project consists of two low-rise apartment buildings set within lush gardens. Designed as house-sized apartments for a downsizing demographic, Fellowship engages with both its historic context and contemporary demands, raising important questions about architectural continuity, materiality, and spatial experience.
One of the most striking aspects of Fellowship is its scale and massing. Rather than imposing a singular large volume onto the 1,500-square-meter site, the architects opted for two distinct three-level buildings. This decision reduces the project’s visual impact, maintaining the intimate scale of the surrounding neighborhood. The articulation of form through recessed and projected elements, along with carefully placed apertures, enhances the project’s human scale and fosters a sense of belonging within the streetscape.
In contrast to conventional apartment designs, Fellowship adopts a spatial strategy that borrows heavily from single-family home typologies. Each residence features a well-defined entrance, reminiscent of traditional domestic layouts. The inclusion of dual living spaces, expansive open-plan areas, and seamless transitions to outdoor terraces reflects an ambition to craft dwellings that prioritize comfort, flexibility, and a strong connection to nature.
Additionally, the three penthouses, each featuring landscaped rooftop gardens and private swimming pools, reinforce the theme of bringing suburban luxuries into an urban context. The project aims to provide the benefits of a single-family home—privacy, space, and architectural character—within a multi-residential framework that allows for a more compact and sustainable lifestyle.
Material selection plays a crucial role in Fellowship’s architectural identity. The use of brick, both as structure and ornament, ties the project to the area’s post-war architectural legacy. The bris-soleil or “hit-and-miss” brickwork above the entrances provides texture, shade, and depth, simultaneously evoking the masonry traditions of mid-century modernism while offering a contemporary reinterpretation.
Internally, the material palette shifts towards softer, more tactile finishes. Venetian-style plastered walls introduce a sense of craftsmanship and warmth, while oak parquetry flooring in the main living areas reinforces the project’s emphasis on natural, enduring materials. Bathrooms are adorned with stone and marble, further enhancing the luxurious yet understated aesthetic. These material choices not only ensure longevity but also create a sense of permanence and tranquility.
A Model for Future Developments
Fellowship represents a compelling case study in contemporary infill development. Its ability to sensitively engage with Kew’s architectural heritage while providing high-end residential solutions exemplifies the potential for well-crafted, contextually aware multi-residential architecture. The project demonstrates the value of human-scaled massing, material integrity, and spatial generosity in creating meaningful living environments.
While Fellowship succeeds in offering a refined and contextually integrated design, it also highlights some of the broader tensions in luxury residential architecture. The balance between exclusivity and urban contribution, the depth of heritage engagement, and the need for stronger sustainability measures are all areas that warrant further exploration.
As cities continue to evolve, projects like Fellowship must navigate the complex intersection of history, modernity, and environmental responsibility. Whether this development will serve as a model for future infill housing or remain an isolated instance of boutique residential refinement remains to be seen.
Fellowship Residence Image Gallery
About Life Architecture
Life Architecture is an Australian firm known for its thoughtful, context-driven designs that balance contemporary aesthetics with heritage sensitivity. Specializing in high-end residential and boutique multi-residential projects, the firm emphasizes material integrity, spatial refinement, and a strong connection to the surrounding environment. Through meticulous craftsmanship and a focus on livability, Life Architecture creates enduring spaces that seamlessly blend modern luxury with architectural tradition.
Credits and Additional Notes
- Interior Designer: SORA Interiors
Landscape Architect: Jack Merlo
Developer: Zynergy Property
Construction Company: VCON
Site Area: 1,500 square meters
- Total Apartments: 10
- Apartment Sizes: 120 – 250 square meters
