We wanted to preserve the dignity of these beautiful heritage residences while creating contemporary homes designed for the way people live today.
Rob Mills
Positioned beside Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens and the Domain, South Yarra Residences transform two distinguished Georgian Revival townhouses into a pair of generous whole-floor apartments. Behind carefully preserved façades, the residences have been completely reimagined for contemporary living while maintaining the character that has defined the streetscape for generations. From the street, the transformation is almost imperceptible. Beyond the original walls, however, a new chapter unfolds through light-filled interiors, generous proportions and a stronger connection to one of Melbourne's most remarkable landscapes.
Respecting heritage is about more than preserving buildings. It’s about understanding what gives a place its character and ensuring that quality continues for future generations.
– Rob Mills
Delivering this outcome required a respectful and collaborative approach. Working closely with leading heritage consultants, RMA secured approval for a complete internal reconstruction while preserving the dignified street presence of the original buildings. A discreet steel and glazed addition introduces natural light and contemporary living without competing with the heritage architecture. Carefully framed views draw the mature trees of the Domain into the interiors, creating residences that feel deeply connected to both their history and their extraordinary setting.
Respecting heritage doesn't mean preserving everything exactly as it was. It means understanding what gives a building its character and ensuring those qualities continue to define it. At South Yarra Residences, contemporary living was carefully introduced without diminishing the dignity or presence of the original architecture.
RMA’s creativity is cradled by its strategic management ensuring all decisions are one with each other. Delivering the project on time, on budget, to the desired quality. Projects of this scale demand careful coordination and disciplined project leadership. Through comprehensive documentation, integrated workflows and close collaboration with consultants, craftspeople and builders, RMA maintained clarity throughout the delivery process, protecting time, cost and quality while ensuring the finished residence remained true to the original vision.
