"The architecture has grabbed the market": How MA Architects designed Kew's Clyde Street development

"The architecture has grabbed the market": How MA Architects designed Kew's Clyde Street development
Joel Robinson September 15, 2023ARCHITECTURE

Regarded boutique Melbourne residential developer Gestalt is producing one of the most visually striking projects in Kew East.

Gestalt Director Kyle Reeve called on MA Architects to put together the plans for Clyde Street, a mix of high-end townhouses and apartments, having worked with MAA on previous projects.

MAA Principal Karen Alcock and associate Rachel McNally led the design direction of Clyde Street.

"We decided to work with MAA on this project because we've worked with Karen and Rachel before, and the results we've achieved have been outstanding," Reeve said.

"They really understand spaces. They understand great design. They understand beautiful, enduring materials."

Reeve said from the outset the team set out to create townhouses with house-like proportions, a commitment to spaciousness that sets Clyde St apart.

"When we first discussed the site with MAA, part of the brief was to design townhouses that were house-like proportions," Reeve said.

"We wanted to have two separate living areas, at least three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a separate laundry, and enough private open space via a courtyard or a balcony."

MAA crafted each townhouse to harmonise with the tree-lined streetscape, ensuring they seamlessly blend into their surroundings. Their designs boast individual entrances, brickwork facades, sturdy materials, and abundant landscaping. It's a testament to their unwavering dedication to creating living spaces that truly feel like home.

Jellis Craig Projects Director Stephen Bowtell says the architecture has really grabbed the market.

"MAA have been clever in creating a striking brick facade which pays respect to the beautiful heritage homes in Kew East, while adding a contemporary touch" Bowtell says.

"Clyde Street sits in a suburb where there's brick homes which have stood for 100 years, and Clyde Street will do the same. It will age in place."

Bowtell says the townhomes offer everything a buyer could want, with a really flexible floor plan for both families and downsizers to use as they wish.

"It ticks all the boxes. The convenience of dual living, a study, multiple living areas. Clyde Street offers it all."

The project will likely attract the family buyer, given Kew is home to some of the country's best schools.

Joel Robinson

Joel Robinson is the Editor in Chief at Urban.com.au, managing Urban's editorial team and creating the largest news cycle for the off the plan property market in the country. Joel has been writing about residential real estate for nearly a decade, following a degree in Business Management with a major in Journalism at Leeds Beckett University in England. He specializes in off the plan apartments, and has a particular interest in the development application process for new projects.

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