Meraki Creative

A contemporary double storey beach house designed to provide flexibility of use, a focus on entertaining and spectacular views to Port Phillip Bay. Externally the building is clad in robust and low maintenance materials suitable for the harsh coastal environment. The primary ‘black box’, which is clad in black aluminium cladding, is punctuated by a white cantilevered canopy which highlights the entry. Black perforated metal and steel slat screens are strategically located to provide visual privacy and security. The L-shaped dwelling, with its entirely glazed northern facade, is deliberately configured to capture northern sunlight and bay views. Cantilevered canopies with adjustable louvres provide selective shading to living areas and create sheltered external entertaining areas on both levels. The ground floor level comprises double garage and storage, with four bedrooms and a large multi-purpose living room opening out onto a north-facing deck and pool area. The open plan first floor living areas open out onto a covered terrace area with clear views to the bay. The white, light-filled interior includes american oak flooring and staircase, porcelain tiles to wet areas, a large stained american oak sliding door to the multi-purpose living room, and a black stained timber veneer kitchen with textured black stone benchtops.

A few words from the Client –

“We just finished building our stunning architect designed beach house on the Mornington Peninsula, designed by Robert Viggiano from Meraki Creative. Robert was very collaborative and flexible during the design process, placing high attention to every detail to create a fantastic end product. He brought lots of great ideas and conducted research for custom products to meet a highly refined brief. His documentation was very detailed which resulted in a seamless transition into construction. Robert also ran a robust tender process, including clarifying details so there weren’t surprises later during construction. We love how all the concepts, design elements and finishes have come together to deliver a high quality product. We are very happy with the design process which matches the end product and would have no hesitation in using Meraki Creative for future projects”.

The architecture and interior design of this Port Melbourne home was inspired by our clients’ love of the Cycladic Architecture found in Santorini, Greece. Crisp white surfaces with soft rounded edges, an abundance of natural light, the warmth of recycled timber and a splash of texture were utilised to re-create the tranquil Santorini ambience.  More coming soon.

The existing brick Edwardian residence was fully restored to it’s original pristine condition. A contemporary two storey addition was created comprising generous light filled living spaces with clean lines and high quality finishes.  Polished concrete creates a seamless and durable floor, while a recycled messmate timber feature wall with concealed laundry door provides a pause between the old and new sections of the dwelling. Open plan living areas were designed to provide physically separate yet visibly connected living spaces linked by a central timber veneer kitchen with long stone island bench. A stunning collection of artwork is displayed along the dining room wall and throughout the residence. Bi-folding doors open up the living spaces to a large timber deck and garden creating a strong indoor-outdoor connection.

A few words from the Client –

“We always felt Robert heard and understood our ideas while he sensitively and productively guided us through the intricacies of a detailed process. The outcome was a set of comprehensive designs detailed down to paint finishes, door furniture and cupboard configurations. These included all the engineering plans and council approvals etc required to take the project through from start to finish. We have now lived in the house for over a year and have been thoroughly thrilled with the quality of design and the detail of finish Robert encouraged us to pursue. We would thoroughly recommend Robert’s services to anyone wanting a high quality modern but classic style particularly those who are working through the design and building process for the first time as we were.”  

“We depend on our surroundings obliquely to embody the moods and ideas we respect and then to remind us of them. We look to our buildings to hold us, like a kind of psychological mould, to a helpful vision of ourselves. We arrange around us material forms which communicate to us what we need — but are at constant risk of forgetting what we need — within. We turn to wallpaper, benches, paintings and streets to staunch the disappearance of our true selves.”
― Alain de Botton, The Architecture of Happiness

A new double fronted Victorian residence with timeless contemporary interiors replaces a dilapidated Edwardian residence on this modest 430 square metre site. Our practice was engaged to provide an assessment of the development potential of the site prior to purchase, and was subsequently engaged for full architectural and interior design services following the acquisition of the property. Our Clients were attracted to the period character of the original dwelling and their initial brief involved the restoration of the original dwelling with a two storey addition to the rear. A schematic investigation into what could be gained by demolishing the existing weatherboard dwelling yielded results which were too good to refuse. Additional useable land was gained by locating the new dwelling 1m closer to the street; the limitations of the restrictive layout of the existing dwelling were eliminated; and the significant funds which were to be allocated to the restoration became available for the new build. The result is a remarkably ‘original’ looking dwelling which recreates the true essence of the Victorian style while providing the comforts and amenities that our Clients requested.

A few words from the Client –

“Robert’s advice to build a new house that still met our brief (to maintain the victorian style we wanted) rather than renovate was visionary. The result has been a beautiful double fronted victorian home with all the comforts and “mod cons” of a new home. He did a lot of work to research and find suppliers for what we wanted for our home. He also had some great ideas to improve the functionality of our home without compromising on the design. Our builder felt that Robert worked very hard during the build, was always available for clarification, had excellent documentation and he restored his confidence in architects. Robert was very easy to work with, he had good communication skills and good knowledge. He has designed us, essentially a “bespoked couture” home. I would highly recommend his work.”

A new contemporary ‘californian’ style residence with split level living areas opening out to a north-facing alfresco entertaining area and pool. A neutral palette of materials comprising ‘zinc’ bricks, render, textured panelling, black metal, aggregate concrete, glass and stained timber lining to the underside of cantilevered canopies creates a warm and well balanced composition. Construction commencing shortly.

A complete interior refurbishment of a second level 1960’s apartment. Located within walking distance to the Prahran hospitality precinct, the cafe style interiors were designed to cater for socially active inhabitants. Painted concrete floors, 2 pack joinery, a central illuminated light box, mood uplighting and cafe style furniture give the apartment a vibrant atmosphere. Every inch of space has been utilised with a european laundry concealed behind mirrored doors in the bathroom and a concealed walk in pantry in the kitchen.

A proposed two storey addition to an existing double storey ‘bank house’ in Port Melbourne. The existing dwelling is restored to it’s original glory with a contemporary addition to the rear including stained parquetry flooring, 2 pac kitchen with stone benchtops, and large glass panels opening to a rear paved courtyard. Construction commencing soon.