Gurner completes Prahran's Hawksburn Place Residences: Urban takes a look at the custom penthouse
The luxury developer GURNER has signed off on the completion of their luxury Prahran developer Hawksburn Place Residences.
The apartment block of 22, a collaborative effort between Cox Architecture, David Hicks and landscape architect Paul Bangay, set suburb price records when it launched to the market in 2018.
Tim Gurner says the project was inspired by his many stays at the 5-star hotel JK Place Roma in Italy, which he says blew him away.
"Hawksburn Place Residences is a testament to opulent, modern living," GURNER says.
Photo credit: Mark Roper
In 2018, a local downsizing couple bought the whole top floor as an empty shell and fully customised it, with the help of Tim Gurner himself, along with interior designer David Hicks. They created an 805 sqm space, comprising 345 sqm of internal area and another 461 sqm of external terracing.
The apartment has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a private library, retreat, a six car garage and its own 12.5 metre rooftop pool with CBD views.
Photo credit: Mark Roper
Carrara, Calacatta Oro, Nero Marquina marble and black granite stone was used throughout to create a moody, dark, rich interior palette.
“Personal customisations for purchases is an incredibly difficult process to manage and thankfully after it being the fourth job our amazing design team has handled we were able to offer something truly different to our clients and the journey for all involved was incredible," GURNER says.
“When Joan and Wes first approached us, we didn’t yet have any finishes or designs ready to present," GURNER recalled. "They entrusted us to deliver on their vision and create their dream home, and we didn’t disappoint. I remember it like it was yesterday.”
“Every room, every material, every piece of marble chosen reflects their specific tastes - it’s very rare that a penthouse can be customised like this to the smallest degree.”
Photo credit: Mark Roper
The apartment features coffered LED ceilings, private dual lifts, and a custom designed stone shower seat complete with LED lighting. There's custom designed cabinetry to showcase the owners’ extensive collection of antiques and art.
“The antiques speak for themselves so we provided a dramatic backdrop for them to sit seamlessly," the penthouse interior designer David Hicks says.
Photo credit: Mark Roper
"Introducing specific places for each piece with strategic lighting was also key.”
“The apartment occupies the entire top floor of the building with 360-degree glazing, so a darker interior really suited the space. It has allowed some warmth and respite from the sun.”
