Ensemble Apartments are a departure from the conventional stacked apartment design response. The horizontal building mass is divided by a bisecting vertical glass void which simultaneously, creates a strong and identifiable sense of address but also creates relief and a break to the built form.
The vertical glazed entry consists of a two-storey void upon arrival into the building which is experientially a counterpoint to the horizontal reading of the building. Moreover, the bronze glass visually contrasts the materiality of while fluted concrete to further create an identifiable visual connection to the entry of the building.
The lower section of the building incorporates white fluted concrete with large arched windows which creates articulation and visual interest. The large arched windows further reinforce the curved architectural language and also create interesting and engaging framed views from within the internal spaces.
The colour, geometry and texture at the lower levels create a podium for the building mass that engages with a sympathetic human scale to avoid visual bulk. This intervention is further reinforced with the change in material, colour and geometry to clearly create relief and contrast from the top level.
Project Info
Architects: Kavellaris Urban Design
Area: 2935 m²
Year: 2021
Country: Melbourne, Australia
Photographs: Veeral
Manufacturers: ASURCO, Aodeli
Structure Engineers: O’Neil Group
Services Engineers: O’Neil Group
Civil Engineers: O’Neil Group
Traffic Consultants: Traffix Group
ESD: Enrate
Landscape: John Patrick Landscape Architects
Architecture & Interiors: Billy Kavellaris
Documentation: Tien Nguyen
Building Surveyor: The Good Men Building Surveyors
Fire Safety Engineering: Dobbs Doherty














Ruba Ahmed, a senior project editor at Arch2O and an Alexandria University graduate, has reviewed hundreds of architectural projects with precision and insight. Specializing in architecture and urban design, she excels in project curation, topic selection, and interdepartmental collaboration. Her dedication and expertise make her a pivotal asset to Arch2O.
