Park St.

A radiant fusion of global inspiration and local character

Park St is a colourful love letter to St Kilda West, designed by us at SGKS ARCH, the project reimagines two tired Art Deco flats into a radiant and contemporary family home. Blending global influences with the suburb’s eclectic reality, the design strays from normality through texture, form and colour, creating an adventurous retreat full of personality and flair.

Balance was at the heart of the design process, honouring the Art Deco roots of the property while introducing bold modernity achieving the home’s layered character. The burnt orange sunken lounge, meticulously crafted, takes centre stage in the living area, inviting connection and conversation. Glass block details subtly nod to the home’s original era, while other more industrial elements such as the exposed concrete floors, ceilings and structural details, along with the sculptural steelwork of the staircase and gleaming stainless steel kitchen joinery, ground the design in a decidedly contemporary setting. These thoughtful combinations, paired with daring colours throughout, reflect our philosophy of creating timeless yet innovative spaces. The collaboration with skilled consultants and suppliers fostered a lively dialogue between old and new.

Externally, Park St continues this dialogue. The character of the existing inter-war facade is retained and revitalised to hint at the boldness of the interiors. Arched windows, curved metal fencing, and suspended concrete interventions bring subtle, confident updates that respect the suburban streetscape. A monochromatic black-and-white palette provides a timeless backdrop, while the oversized front door announces itself in a deep shade of teal, beckoning visitor’s inside.

For us, Park St represents more than just a home, it’s a statement about the power of architecture to tell a story and the beauty of spaces that are personal yet universal. This project was especially unique, with our Principal Architect stepping into the dual role of both designer and client. This perspective allowed us to transcend the traditional constraints of a brief, transforming it into an evolving, collaborative process however understanding three core non-negotiable factors being to create a home that reflects the vibrancy and energy of their life. A space that feels open yet intimate, and a house filled with colour, curiosity and adventure while remaining sophisticated.

Although various factors and constraints arose throughout the project, the dual role of architect and client enabled quick, thoughtful decisions prioritizing both functionality and aesthetics. This ensured the design’s integrity remained intact.

Durable industrial materials, including concrete, steel, and a recycled brick facade minimised the overall resource use while ensuring longevity. Natural light pours into the home through vast openings and skylights, while cross-ventilation is prioritised throughout. The first level suspended concrete slab not only creates an industrial exposed ceiling, but it also contributes to the quality and comfort of the home all year round through its thermal properties.

A home designed to invite bold living, spark creative thinking, and encourage unapologetic self-expression. Park St is not just an elaborate renovation of a characterful part of a St Kilda street; it is a reinvention of how a home can feel, function, and inspire.