In a time where new residential developments are emerging all around us, it seems to be increasingly rare that a developer would have any personal history with a particular site. This however is exactly the case with the redevelopment of Derby Place in Kew, which will soon explore the full potential that this unique site has to offer. Over thirty years ago Giuseppe Crema, the founding director of the now 65-year old property and construction company – Crema Constructions – purchased and developed the locale in Kew as an office building. Having retained it for this entire time, the new development now holds great significance to Crema Constructions as it plays a key role in the company’s history. With that being said, Crema Constructions are now in the process of reimagining and bringing Derby Place back to life – this time as a central hub for highly connected apartment living that is anticipated for completion in 2018.
The location at 369 High Street in Kew is situated immediately next door to the Kew Recreation Centre, and is less than a five-minute walk to Kew Junction. With such a sought after location, the brief was to create a new residential development that stood out from the crowd and created a new level of luxury and lifestyle. This central and easily accessible locale, combined with an abundance of nearby amenities leant itself to become an owner-occupier focused development with an emphasis on spacious interiors, luxury finishes and grand city views. With this in mind, it became clear that to successfully bring the vision of Derby Place into reality, Crema Constructions would need to appoint leading Melbourne architectural practice, Fender Katsalidis along with CBG Architects to collaborate on this exciting new venture.
The design of Derby Place encompasses 80 luxury residences across six levels, incorporating only the finest quality finishes, fixtures and appliances throughout, with the options of 1, 2 or 3 bedroom floorplans. The use of stone and brick finishes, glazing, ribbed concrete and bronze finish accents contribute to an external façade that is layered and texturally rich, maximising on orientation, spectacular city views and privacy, while still allowing natural light to flow throughout the refreshingly spacious interior zones. Inspired by the neighbourhood and its historically significant streetscapes, the architecture of Derby Place echoes both contemporary design and the prestigious homes of Kew, while still respecting the neighbourhood aesthetic.
When we get to the interior of the residences, this is where things get really interesting. As many of us are aware, the kitchen is often referred to as the heart of any home and has been increasingly identified as a central hub and gathering point for not only eating, but also for socialising and relaxing. The kitchens throughout Derby Place combine efficiency and elegance, with the richly appointed space using sleek lines and flush surfaces to conceal a high function zone. In keeping with a luxurious and culinary focused lifestyle, premium Gaggenau appliances have been completely integrated into the design of each of the apartments. These exceptional appliances were chosen to “unite people who share an appreciation for good living, culture and timeless modern design,” says Katya Crema, Associate Director – Sales & Marketing Manager of Crema Group.
Gaggenau have long been renowned for translating professional culinary technology into sophisticated domestic kitchen solutions and this was taken into careful consideration when selecting an appliance brand to be associated with a prestigious project such as Derby Place. When asked about why Gaggenau was the brand to be specified, Crema explains, “With a shared respect for beauty and functionality in design, Gaggenau and Derby Place delivered the ultimate collaboration. The Derby Place Premium residences were deserving of the best appliances.”
Each of the residences benefit from a full suite of Gaggenau 200 series appliances, providing the ultimate in kitchen functionality including oven, fully integrated dishwasher, 5-burner cooktop and rangehood. In addition to the traditional baking oven, select residences also incorporate Gaggenau’s 200 series combi-steam oven, the latest in elite dining technology. Gaggenau appliances are known to draw the attention of the design aficionada as well as the culinary connoisseur. The response by potential buyers has been overwhelmingly positive, as they have unerringly been drawn to the classic, timeless design of the kitchen. The Gaggenau appliances proved to be a perfect compliment to the natural stone and bespoke joinery throughout the kitchen. The bronze finish tapware acts as a beautiful highlight in the kitchen, while also creating an aesthetic link with the external façade of the building.
Throughout the rest of the apartment, the sophisticated interior scheme continues with its natural finishes and inviting tones and textures successfully capturing an elegance that is still comforting and inviting. The exclusive resident amenities include a grand lobby with concierge, library, lounge and private dining spaces for entertaining, and an exclusive, elevated garden terrace with secluded private lounge areas.
One of the highlights of the project so far according to Crema Constructions has been the incredible response to the luxury Display Suite built on the project site. Since the Grand Launch, Crema Group has hosted a number of functions, including an exclusive function for Derby Place purchasers – ‘An Evening in Your Kitchen with Mister Bianco’. The guests of the evening were treated to an exclusive show by the head chef of one of Melbourne’s most highly regarded Italian restaurants, Joseph Vargetto of Mister Bianco, Kew. Talking more of the successful event, Crema says, “Purchasers excitedly familiarised themselves with the exquisite Derby Place kitchen complete with a suite of Gaggenau appliances, with tips and advice provided by Gaggenau specialists. In true Italian style, guests were treated to freshly shucked oysters, home-made arancini and Mister Bianco’s signature pasta, alongside refreshing spritzers and regional Italian wines on tap.” What better way to inspire new buyers to get creative in their Gaggenau kitchens than by seeing how one of the best puts the beautiful appliances through their paces.
Derby Place is cementing itself as one of Melbourne’s most prestigious urban villages where luxury is simply a way of life. The intuitive design of the entire development is raising the standard of urban architecture to deliver spacious and luxuriously appointed residences and with collaborations with premium luxury brands such as Gaggenau, it will be sure to succeed in creating a wonderful sense of community underpinned by world-class design and quality.
