"Sweeping from one face to the other": How Ascui & Co. designed the Malvern apartments, Contour

Nestling in one of Malvern’s leafiest pockets, King Bird Development’s, Contour presents a boutique collection of residences designed by Ascui & Co. Architects.

The sculpted homes are an embodiment of their address, inspired by the organic beauty of nature, with all of Malvern’s cultural delights within reach.

With consideration for site and neighbourhood context, Ascui & Co. have envisioned a design that gives back to its occupants, nurturing an effortless and elevated living experience.

Combining understated materiality, a sweeping form and inherently practical planning, Contour delivers a collection of two and three-bedroom residences to Melbourne’s inner suburbs.

Ascui & Co. are a Melbourne-based firm who are often inspired by the curve motif – a design language they utilise with precision.

This is exemplified by Contour’s rounded edges and the sinuous wave-like elements tracing the periphery of the building, reminiscent of nature’s organic forms.

Situated on a corner site, the façade follows the natural path of the land, with its soft, rounded edges complimented by a series of contours, sweeping from one face to the other, giving definition to the balconies, slabs and large glazed windows throughout the project.

Contour is expressed in a simple materiality, with white concrete and deep grey metals providing a counterpoint to the verdant garden setting.

Ascui & Co. Director, Gonzalo Ascui, said light was paramount to the design of Contour, drawing it deeply into the internal spaces through vast expanses of glass, in addition to the expansive terraces and balconies fostering a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living, while affording panoramic views of the leafy streetscape as well.

“There is an elegant softness to the building – we’ve avoided rigidity and sharp lines. The building curves around the corner site, following the natural path of the land. Sinuous wave-like elements trace the form of the building, sweeping from one face to the other in a flowing gesture,” said Ascui.

Curated again by the Melburnians, Ascui & Co., the interiors reflect the sophistication of the architecture.

Each space has been generously appointed, boasting high-end finishes with rich textures, creating a sense of open grandeur to th  interiors that brightens everyday life and allows residents to connect with the outdoor environment.

Chosen from the industry’s most trusted suppliers and creators, apartments are home to a collection of considered finishes and touches, including natural stones, engineered European Oak herringbone timber floors, soft 100 per cent polyamide carpets, textured joinery, ribbed feature tiles and glass elements.

“Together, these premium materials create an aesthetic of timeless sophistication while gifting a low-maintenance lifestyle and unrivalled durability.”

Recognising the importance of first impressions, Ascui & Co. curated a considered and inviting apartment entrance.

A robust stone plinth, with a built-in draw, presents a place for things like ornaments, indoor plants, keys and letters, backlit for a striking effect with a curved mirror, creating an air of elegance while the layout of the floorboards emulates the experience of a hallway.

Contour’s living room presents a sunny and expansive setting, adorned in a palette of luxurious yet neutral finishes, complete with a fireplace.

Defined by floor-to-ceiling windows, the open-plan living room is awash with abundant natural light and verdant vistas of the landscaping and surrounding treetops, in addition to a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.

Housed within stone joinery, the fireplace creates a cosy atmosphere as well as efficiently heating the space, while engineered timber Herringbone floors provide the perfect base for living.

Ascui & Co. have featured contoured edges at the apartment entrance and in the island bench, evoking an instant air of continuity, where elements of the exterior have been translated within to enhance the unique language of the design

Contour’s generous kitchen is the heart of the home, fitted out by a functional design and abundant storage, as well as premium appliances and finishes, from solid quartzite to fluted glass.

Entering the space, the solid quartzite stone island bench instantly draws in the eye, distinguished by the same sweeping contour seen on the facade and at the apartment entrance. 

Full-height joinery with a wood grain texture has been paired with elegant fluted glass cabinetry, bringing a sleek and modern feel to the palette, along with a suite of premium Gaggenau appliances.

“Walking into these spaces, the curves are a visual delight. They blend and bend space, allowing light to flow around the corner, coming right into the room and illuminating the finishes,” Ascui added.

Stepping into the bedrooms, featuring fluid curved walls and ample sunlight, the master bedroom has been designed as a private sanctuary.

Set upon plush carpet, the room is complete with a spacious walk-in-wardrobe, equipped with custom shelving and a refined fluted-glass door.

Presenting sophistication at its most tranquil, Contour’s bathroom offers a private oasis, illuminated by dappled light, with a calming palette, exhibiting full-height tiling on all walls, solid stone benchtops and fluted-glass partitions.

Rounding out the room, a double vanity affords a sense of hotel-style luxury, complete with integrated storage, as well as an expansive shower and free-standing bathtub.

Construction has begun on the Malvern project, with interested buyers left with only a small window now to secure an apartment with just a 5 per cent deposit before settlement.

Three-bedroom apartments can still be secured in Contour, with prices starting from $1,647,500.