Why property developers are embracing a blend of classic and contemporary

The merging of classic and contemporary design has become less of a rare find within today’s new luxury property offerings.

The prestigious end of the market was once synonymous with ultra-modern homes, where the latest design trends were showcased. However, developers are now embracing the notion of classic meets contemporary and borrowing the best elements of both styles to create homes that are robust as well as elegant.

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Famed Australian architects of yesteryear and celebrated designers of today have inspired the new design and construction company Solid House. These include Wayne Gillespie, an architect well known for creating innovative Melbourne homes during the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s; Marcus Martin, architect to Toorak’s elite in the interwar period; and Roy Grounds, designer of the National Gallery of Victoria.

Solid House co-founder Andy Callaghan says today’s property buyers still appreciate and seek out the talents of these architects.

“The best thing about these homes is that you don’t have to do much with them,” he says.

“You walk in and they’re actually pretty great. Even though they might need a new bathroom tile and a new oven, fundamentally they’re pretty good. They have well-proportioned rooms, good spaces, good ceiling heights, plenty of light and that’s why people love them.”

Callaghan and fellow developer Ari Lakman launched Solid House this year to give buyers a co-ordinated design and construction solution. Combining forces with Pandolfini Architects, Lisa Buxton Interiors, Eckersley Garden Architecture and building firm Visioneer, the brand will specialise in homes where classic and contemporary innovations harmonise.

“It’s a more efficient way to end up in a really high quality architecturally designed home,” Callaghan says.

“One of the big things we’re offering is longevity. So, everything that we’re doing is solid construction and we’re going back to this really high-quality construction method that these days is sadly a bit of dying art. Our homes won’t be replaced in 10 or 15 years –  hopefully, they’ll still be enjoyed in 50 or 60 years.”

For architect Dominic Pandolfini, this means a reliance on natural materials, simple forms and generous proportions.

“We always try to elicit an emotional response when you walk into a house, so we want people to go, ‘Oh wow!’” he says.

“That’s what we try to bring to our work and we do that using simple forms, strong materiality, and we find that’s the most effective way to create that sense of almost awe when you walk into a house.”

When it comes to interiors, the happy place between new and old is found through fixtures and fittings that emanate timelessness. Far from a jarring aesthetic, this blend is easily achieved by layering warm styles and pieces that age gracefully.

“There are so many timeless elements from classic design that are still so beautiful, like crown mouldings, ceiling roses, stone, and woods that work perfectly against contemporary ones like steel to create a harmonious blend,” says interior designer Lisa Buxton.

“[Such as] vintage furniture, next to a fabulous piece of contemporary art; terrazzos that have a wonderful enduring spirit, mustards.

“We try to ensure all materiality we use is resilient, durability and layered, but will only get better once patinaed and worn.”

The duality of classic and contemporary can be seen at FiftyTwo Black, a collection of luxury homes in Brighton by developer PB & Co. With wainscoting, coffered ceilings and crown mouldings, the residences borrow heavily from Victorian and early art deco movements with origins dating even further back to early Greek and Roman styles.

When paired with the luxuries of modern living, such as advanced security measures and zoned climate controls, the result is a win-win for buyers, says Michael Pesochinsky, president of PB & Co.

“Classical features can add unique character and charm to a home, setting it apart from the standardised look of many new builds,” he says.

“This individuality is attractive to buyers looking for something distinctive. Today’s buyers are looking for homes that offer a sense of history and permanence, something that classic design elements inherently provide.

“Moreover, the blending of classic and contemporary styles allows homeowners to enjoy the best of both worlds: the warmth and character of traditional design with the clean lines and functionality of modern living.”