Cover Fiona Lynch Office achieved dynamic modernism in the penthouse located along Melbourne's St Kilda Road
Fiona Lynch Office achieved dynamic modernism in the penthouse located along Melbourne's St Kilda Road
1 / 1
Fiona Lynch Office harmonised artistic expression and atmospheric potency in the dual living unit
Melbourne-based interior designer Fiona Lynch of Fiona Lynch Office has created an inventive way of living for clients of this penthouse residence, championing flexible living in not one, but two artfully expressive spaces.
The studio was established in 2013, and for the last 10 years, Lynch and her team has explored new materials and artisanal techniques when it comes crafting unique interiors for spaces of the cultural, residential and hospitality.
It was no different when it came time to work on the five-bedroom penthouse. Lynch defied convention, and conceived a fresh interiors perspective that is full of evocative detail and effervescent design, resulting in a home that is arresting and immersive, yet warm and inviting.
Read more: Home tour: How a Hong Kong firm turned an old Melbourne property into a beautiful courtyard house
Two sides of the same coin
The 'morning' living space overlooks Fawkner Park, the Botanic Gardens and the distant Dandenong Ranges
1 / 2
Set atop a residential apartment block along Melbourne’s St Kilda Road, the penthouse residence was favoured with expansive views of verdant parks and the urban skyline. Lynch took advantage of the prime location on the city’s renowned tree-lined boulevard, and divided the apartment into two wings, shifting from a laxed private retreat to a spacious social space.
Each space was fitted with its own kitchen and living areas, one with views of the leafy Fawkner Park, the Botanic Gardens and the distant Dandenong Ranges, while the other, vistas of Melbourne City and Port Phillip Bay.
See also: MPavilion celebrates its 10th year in Melbourne with contemplative architecture by Tadao Ando
The 'evening' living space has an unprecedented view of Melbourne City and Port Phillip Bay
1 / 2
The practicality and contrasting styles provided a pioneering duality, enabling a unique way of enjoying different lifestyles for the homeowners. They could spend intimate mornings as a couple on the park side of the residence, and in the evenings, gathering with an extended family of around 30 during weekends on the other side–the dark olive leather sofa positioned in such a way that everyone could have an unprecedented view of the urban city lights.
Don't miss: 5 homes in Malaysia with exceptional views
Poetry in motion
Above Dynamic modernism the clients’ impressive collection of ceramics and art
Dynamic modernism the clients’ impressive collection of ceramics and art
1 / 1
Paired with the Lynch’s fine art background, the penthouse achieved dynamic modernism through a showcase of the clients’ impressive collection of ceramics and art, as well as handpicked statement pieces of surprising colour and dramatism.
In the ‘evening’ gallery-like living area, the limited edition bookshelf by Italian architect and designer Vincenzo De Cotiis exuded raw elegance, its jagged cast bronze, stone and glass form functioning as both a shelving unit and a room divider. Whereas the sinuous de Sede modular sofa, reminiscent of a convivial conversation pit, softened the space.
Read more: Home tour: A bespoke pied-à-terre with tasteful art displays in New York City
Above The limited edition designer bookshelf exudes raw elegance with its jagged bronze shelving
Above Natural glamour from the designer pendant light with illuminated clear quartz
The limited edition designer bookshelf exudes raw elegance with its jagged bronze shelving
1 / 2
Another bespoke commission that added an artistic touch to the open plan space was Melbourne designer Christopher Boots’ Prometheus VII pendant light. Above the dining table, it added natural glamour with its illuminated clear quartz, reflective of the night lights in the city through the floor to ceiling glass panel windows.
“All my endeavours seek to strike a calm balance between strength and sensitivity,” says Lynch, in regards to the harmonisation of the raw and refined amidst the tactical and inventive uses of space.
See also: Home tour: An art lover’s colourful dream apartment in New York
Good as gold
Above The custom made wall light of draped leather punctuated the dual-living residence
Above Composed of textured brass back plate, topped with ceramic-glazed recycled brick fragments
The custom made wall light of draped leather punctuated the dual-living residence
1 / 2
Fiona Lynch Office also custom made wall lights that punctuated the dual-living penthouse space with natural materials and sculptural elements. Held together by magnets, gold and silver wall lights were composed of draped leather upon a textured brass back plate, topped with ceramic-glazed recycled brick fragments.
“I like luxury that is very subtle and rooted in craftsmanship. It’s always the result of intelligent effort,” muses Lynch, whose choices of custom-designed details and bold curated furniture and lighting were all highly crafted and thoughtfully selected to ensure longevity for the homeowners’ residence.
Don't miss: 5 simple but effective lighting ideas to transform your home
Layer upon layer
Above Veined marble and patterned travertine
Above Earthy neutrals with a single-block Vagli marble basin
Veined marble and patterned travertine
1 / 2
Above Eye-popping Yves Klein blue against soft green ceramic
Eye-popping Yves Klein blue against soft green ceramic
1 / 1
The robust space encompassed sensory, multi-layered materials and colours that were contrasting yet cohesive. Grainy, patterned marble shelving and travertine flooring spanned the living areas, alongside elements of hand-finished brass and ombré steel, with textures of leather and cashmere.
The earthy neutrals flowed into bathrooms with custom ensuite basins carved from a single block of Vagli marble; before continuing on to fuse with a folded matt brass island bench that ‘floats’ above a plinth of aluminium, against reflective backdrops of soft green ceramic, and eye-popping Yves Klein blue of Marblo, a contemporary resin based composite material.
Read more: Home tour: A grand Kuala Lumpur home anchored by marble
The serene study with a generous view
1 / 2
The serene study made the most of generous views with an integrated desk featuring oak and travertine joinery, defused with soft task light from a designer sculptural wall light.
In contrast, the blue-hued Whiskey Room established itself as a nocturnal quarter, with its curation of leather armchairs and display shelves of hand-worked aluminium, pale green Marblo and blue-tinted back mirrors.
NOW READ
6 luxurious penthouses in Singapore with breathtaking views
Top material and colour trends to refresh your home in 2024
3 international destinations Malaysian investors should consider
Credits
Photography: Sharyn Cairns
As senior writer at Tatler Homes, Celeste Goh covers architecture, interior design, luxury homes and emerging design trends. She also serves as digital content manager for Tatler Malaysia, overseeing the brand’s digital editorial strategy and social media presence across its platforms.
