Among the treetops: The charismatic, light-filled home of architect Marcello Donati

Who: Marcello Donati (butcher and architect at Anon Studio)

What: Boutique penthouse apartment

Where: Fitzroy, Melbourne

The Whitlam Place apartments in Fitzroy make an impression right from the first step into the terrazzo-paved entrance. Follow the neon-lined hallway and head up the lift to arrive at Marcello Donati’s jaw-dropping apartment.

This apartment building is the result of a true collaboration between developer, client and co-architect (Donati) and registered architects Freadman White.

Together, this dream team have produced a project with remarkable architectural detailing, including several “tip of the hat” moments to design titan Le Corbusier, as well as a reverence to place inspired by local legends Robin Boyd and Roy Grounds.

Donati has unapologetically kept the best of the apartments for himself, featuring sweeping views, porthole windows and the balcony of our dreams.

Most striking is “the oculus” – an eye to the sky, set in pink, polished plaster. Donati explains that “from apricot to aubergine, the light picks up every subtle reflection and variation as the sun moves around it”. He says this heavenly skylight has a “lo-fi Turrell” vibe – although this unique kaleidoscopic detail feels pretty hi-fi to us.

In addition to the sculptural elements of the build, Donati has populated the apartment with his life-long collection of artworks and furniture.

The aesthetic is eclectic but consistently so, as Donati combines “found, made, stolen, bought and collected pieces”, including some that were custom-designed and made.

He describes the living room as an “Italian family gathering”, with its diverse collection of classic Italian design pieces, including the plush Maralunga couch, and sophisticated Taccia lamp. This charismatic line-up is all-Italian because, as Donati says, “let’s face it – nobody does it better”.

But even the charm of Italian design cannot compete with the view of surrounding gums. Donati says that “being up among the treetops is a very serene tranquil space, they are the best artwork in this penthouse”.

For Donati, the process of resolving this big dream into a built outcome was one of blood, sweat and tears, where he “would come here every single day, work on it all night, and dream about it in between”.

What has emerged is a space of “warm materiality, shadow play, curated moments and views” and an almost magical interplay between volume and light. The best of Italian design, set in a distinctly Melbourne location, illuminated by a performance of constantly shifting light. Bellissimo!

Collect design

While it’s understood that a well-curated art collection makes a great investment, collecting design can be equally fulfilling and lucrative.

• Whether collecting art or design, the key is to buy what you love. Never buy for investment value only.
• Authenticity is key – before purchasing a second-hand piece, ensure it is original.
• When shopping online, use trusted sites that specialise in authentic pieces. 1st Dibs is the biggest international resource. Closer to home, try Home Furniture on Consignment.
• Create Google alerts for the pieces you want, and be patient. Cultivating a great collection is a life-long investment.