The transformation of the old Kew Children’s Cottages, into a master planned community, required an appreciation of heritage design, an ambition to think big, and a sensitivity to both sustainability and design strategy.
While commissioned early in the life of DKO, this project remains of foundational importance to the design ethos and DNA of the practice. The transformation of the old Kew Children’s Cottages, into a master planned community of up to 400 residencies, required an appreciation of heritage design, an ambition to think big, a sensitivity to both sustainability and design strategy, and finally, a capacity to finely balance the needs of both landscape and architecture. This resulting landmark development preserved remnant cottages and retained majestic stands of indigenous trees, carefully choreographing the floor plan of new homes to preserve the root systems of mature trees and maximise views to this garden-esque site. This sustainable design optimises orientation for solar penetration, privacy and security. Extensive use of rainwater gardens and multiple bio-retention basins provide additional landscape experiences, while reducing the impact of stormwater on the site’s drainage system. This is classic modernist Melbourne architecture, with its orthogonal forms and recessive detailing. Street corners are articulated as bold cantilevered forms, while a high degree of plan diversity across the site enables a vibrant streetscape, promoting an integrated community. The predominant use of brilliant white and zinc cladding provides a dramatic counter-point to the verdant ground plane. Together this early project cemented DKO’s reputation as high-quality master plan architects.
YEAR
2005
STATUS
Complete
CLIENT
Walker Corporation
LOCATION
Kew, AUS
SCALE
37ha
DWELLINGS
550
DISCIPLINE
Master Planning
EXPERTISE
Master Planning
Architecture
Interior Design
Photographer: Derek Swalwell
DKO is a multi-disciplinary, award-winning design practice centred on creating ingenious spaces that are driven by the needs of the user, site opportunities and the dynamic process of translating design intent into built outcomes. Founded in 2000 by Principal Koos de Keijzer, its operations have expanded from Melbourne to studios in Sydney, Perth, Auckland, Ho Chi Minh City, and Brisbane. DKO has remained committed to the same underlying principles since day one. Its multiple teams spread across the Asia-Pacific region are solidly united behind the same grounded and humble approach taken to each project, big or small.
Keeping minds open to any possibility, DKO always focuses on finding the best idea, regardless of where it came from. By encouraging the personal growth of each individual within the organisation, DKO plans to become a globally oriented entity, consistently forging ahead in both business and creative objectives. DKO embraces the role of architecture in shaping a more sustainable future. As a practice, it never loses sight of the most fundamental quality that connects all great design – people. Through human understanding and nurture, DKO seeks to continually maximise its potential and deliver architecture at its utmost excellence.