We step inside the enviably-located Alexandra Penthouse by Dita Studio and Franze Developments, replete with voluminous, light-filled spaces and parkland vistas.
Here at est, we are fortunate to be surrounded by the creative work of architects and interior designers. Now, with the Alexandra Penthouse project, we have had the benefit of seeing the clever logic of a planner and developer that has led to a spacious home sited on the very top of an apartment complex.
We spoke to owner and developer Paul Franze, who took us back to the time before building when he sat in the sprawling parkland adjacent to the site. He realised that such a rare configuration of natural advantages could only be complemented by apartments that had much larger internal volumes than traditionally expected. This is the logic that gives architects and designers a clear head start.
The butler’s pantry conceals premium Wolf appliances and Sub-Zero fridge/freezers.
Located in Kew, one of Melbourne’s inner suburbs, Alexandra Penthouse is surrounded by schools, trams, and vibrant retail and thankfully, across the road from three acres of parklands. All nine car parks allocated for the penthouse can remain blissfully quiet with most local attractions all within walking distance from the nearby Kew Junction including est favourites – Leo’s Fine Food Supermarket and Ocha Japanese – just a short walk away.
The project designers, Dita Studio, take over from this point with a light-filled and voluminous penthouse capturing those views in the leafy Alexandra gardens. Wide terraces surround the home on all sides, overlooking the park and offering panoramic views of the city and surprisingly, to the south, Port Phillip Bay.
We were drawn first to the generous outdoor space – beautifully suited to entertaining with an alfresco befitted with an outdoor fire, a Wolf BBQ and a solar+gas heated pool. In fact, the outdoor space in its totality is similar in size and feel to a regular suburban house garden which can give the impression that this is more of a home than, well, a traditional penthouse.
Tongue n Groove oak parquetry flooring directs the eye to the floor-to-ceiling views of the surrounding lush greenery.
Floor-to-ceiling windows dramatically bring the view and light inside but can easily be tempered by drawing closed the soft linens blinds throughout. Dita Studio’s design draws on the minimal use of materials to create visual harmony and draw attention outside to the uninterrupted views.
Within the penthouse, oak parquetry floors from Tongue n Groove are intentionally laid to direct the eye outside. The oak floors are wire brushed to perfect their natural finish and create a soft feel underfoot.
The veined stone by G-lux Stone complements the plentiful natural light and features throughout the home. Also in oak and marble, both the kitchen and the butler’s pantry are equipped with Wolf appliances and Sub-Zero fridge/freezers. The marble bar, with stone again by G-lux, is backed by a temperature-controlled glass wine room overlooking the terrace. Unimpeded natural light showcases the lines of the sculptural stone and plaster staircase which is the talking piece for visitors upon arrival.
Upstairs, all bedrooms open to the north-west facing terrace, offering direct light and green views. This is where guests or older children can be comfortably hosted or accommodated with the owner choosing to be involved in their stay or isolate in their own private quarters inspired by parkland views.
Within this main bedroom, a custom-fitted dressing room and a marble ensuite with Brodware fittings complement the oversize room dimensions and heights. Floor-to-ceiling windows afford views into the tree canopies of the Alexandra gardens, a sight which is unlikely to be ever built out – another example of strategic foresight by Mr Franze.
A ribboning stone staircase becomes a focal point in the penthouse.
Whether inside or outside, every entertainment ideal has been taken into account. Continuous views flow from the voluminous lounge to the spacious dining room to the elegant kitchen, while the bar and adjoining wine room cleverly bridge the space between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. With a fully equipped al fresco, terrace lounges and infinity pool, this is a house for entertaining for the night. Or for days.
The carefully considered design by Franze Developments and Dita Studio has culminated in the luxuriously spacious Alexandra Penthouse. For these reasons, we present this opportunity grounded in both planning logic and architectural detail as very worthy of investigation and inspection via Marshall White.
The Penthouse features PIANCA wardrobes throughout, imported from Italy.
The bathroom features natural stone by G-Lux and Brodware fixtures.
A detail of the apartment exterior, highlighting the contemporary design inside and out.
