Kinetic sculpture-inspired facades and boutique apartments: The Alumuna Residence in Melbourne

Wood Marsh Studio's design for the Alumuna Residence, which is completed in 2020 in the Port Melbourne neighborhood, challenges the limitations of the L-shaped lot by attempting to achieve as much movement as possible on the building's two narrow facades-one on Johnston Street and the other on Rouse Street. Drawing on the ideas of kinetic sculptures, the facades are presented as a dramatic accordion whose appearance constantly changes throughout the day

Across the building's four levels, the glazed facades subtly tilt back and forth to create an interplay of reflection and refraction, with distorted and sometimes deliberately obscured sight lines. The deliberately theatrical feeling of the wood-paneled entrance refers to the accordion of the facade and immediately focuses attention into the building. The custom abstract art installation along the main linear wall adds a sense of texture in its shape and depth through the patina of its dark bronze materials and a warm glow from the amber lighting. The bronze color follows through the foyer, creating a sense of transition which leads to the apartments

Contrasting the dynamism of the facade, the peaceful experience of the interior is emphasized by the curved details that guide its progression through the space. More natural materials are seen throughout the interior, with marble kitchen elements resting sculpture-like on light wood floors. Above the boutique apartments is the penthouse, finished in an elevated palette of darker wood and natural stone finishes

The Alumuna Residences offers a sculptural and dynamic façade that reflects disjointed glimpses of the surrounding context. Ideas of visual abstraction created through a singular material and its interaction with light, offer to those who find themselves walking down the street in that spot a wide multitude of experiences