Bojan Simic Architecture
Architectural in Port Phillip

Architecture st kilda bojan simic architecture is a st. Kilda based architecture practice with a strong design focus which aims at providing its clients with innovative and site responsive design solutions.

Orb House’ adopts a minimalist aesthetic as a counterpoint to the patchwork architectural fabric that makes up it’s streets cape tapestry. Inspired by the dwellings of ancient Pompeii, our approach was to create a serene introspective living environment based on the central courtyard typology. Ambitious towards a tomorrow residential prototype the Orb House’ adopts tried and tested methodologies from the ancient preceding a back to the future’ kind of approach. The lightweight floating’ appearance of the zinc clad addition, incorporating folded angular walls and intersecting triangular pitched roofs, acts as a folly to the disciplined lines of the difficult brick Edwardian building characterized by ornate fenestration and detailed fretwork. Strategically placed windows between the new building’s folded zinc skin yield aspect and instinctive light to interiors while contributing to the floating’ visual aesthetic of the composition externally. A suspended glass connect unites the two autonomous structures. Port Phillip Bay is the setting and inspiration for this contemporary residential infill in Middle Park. Clear elliptical built form and curvilinear cantilevered balconies create a dramatic contrast to the rectilinear composition that makes up the heritage streets cape, providing striking visual interest while exploiting uninterrupted bay views. The internal living amenity incorporates a careful minimalist sensibility and materiality. A monochromatic palette of materials compliments the formal composition, while the use of articulated copper cladding is an interpretive reference to the brown and ocher brick clad housing stock that dominates the precinct. The central spine accommodating the living zones joins the two wings via glazed links. The asymmetrical arrangement of form and the composition of materiality sit comfortably within its context, while making a unique and visually striking architectural statement. This building is designed as a contemporary infill development informed by the scale and form of the adjoining buildings, yet presenting a contemporary counterpoint to the featureless streets cape context. A series of interlocking pavilions clustered around a central courtyard and lap pool yield living and entertaining areas which blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor space. The use of low profile roof forms with wide projecting eaves intersected by monolithic stone partition walls and highlight windows are characteristic of the design approach adopted, which is an appropriate contextual response to the heritage streets cape. An interpretive design approach has been adopted for the proposed replacement building within an intact heritage streets cape context which references the siting, scale and massing of adjoining properties. A palette of unprejudiced tones and materials is complimentary to the heritage context allowing the green living screen to remain the dominant feature within the streets cape. The result is a building form and fabric which is articulated to sit comfortably within the streets cape without detracting from or competing with adjoining heritage places. The buildings give themselves as inspired statements of contemporary architecture while contributing positively to the neighborhood context. The Clifton Hill townhouses are located on a relatively insignificant site in proximity to the Yarra River and associated parkland. The two distinct residential buildings are variations on a theme, providing both synchronicity and individuality. This project was designed to accommodate three generations of a family in two distinctive individual homes clustered around introspective communal gardens a place for the extended family to join and come together. It is an individual statement inspired by and inextricably linked to this natural environment. The place is a prototype for tomorrow franchises of the concept store.