Minett Studio is a Melbourne architectural and interior design practice specialising in residential architecture, renovations, extensions, new homes and residential developments in St Kilda and Melbourne’s inner south-east.

St Kilda has one of Melbourne’s most distinctive built environments, combining Victorian and Edwardian homes, heritage streetscapes, apartments, contemporary residences and higher-density residential development.

Working within this established urban context requires a considered architectural response. Our approach brings together architecture, interior design and landscape design, creating homes that respond to their existing character and surroundings while providing the light, space and functionality required for contemporary living.

Renovations & Extensions in St Kilda

St Kilda’s established homes often have enormous character but were designed for a very different way of living.
Poor orientation, dark internal rooms, fragmented additions and limited connections between living spaces and gardens are common challenges.
A thoughtful renovation can retain the qualities that make an existing home special while completely transforming the way it functions.
We look carefully at the whole property to identify opportunities to introduce natural light, improve circulation, create additional accommodation and establish stronger connections between kitchens, living spaces, courtyards and gardens.
On constrained inner-urban sites, every square metre matters. Intelligent planning can often achieve considerably more from an existing property without simply making the building larger.

Heritage & Period Homes

St Kilda contains an extraordinary collection of Victorian, Edwardian and other heritage architecture.
When working with period and heritage properties, we begin by understanding what is significant about the existing building and how contemporary intervention can complement it. Our approach is not to simply replicate historical architecture.
We believe new work can be distinctly contemporary while remaining respectful of the scale, proportions, materiality and character of the original home and surrounding streetscape.

The relationship between old and new becomes part of the architectural story of the property.

Town Planning & City of Port Phillip

Residential projects in St Kilda can involve complex town planning considerations, particularly where properties are affected by heritage controls or are located on constrained inner-urban sites. Minett Studio can assist clients in navigating the City of Port Phillip town planning process for renovations, additions, new homes and residential developments. Depending on the property, considerations may include heritage and neighbourhood character, building height and setbacks, overlooking and privacy, private open space, site coverage, permeability, significant vegetation, car parking and other planning controls or overlays affecting the site.
We investigate the applicable planning requirements early so that they can inform the architectural response from the beginning.

Where a planning permit is required, Minett Studio can manage the architectural town planning process from initial site analysis and concept design through to preparation of the planning application, coordination with specialist consultants and responses to Council throughout the assessment process.

Apartments, Townhouses & Residential Development

St Kilda’s established urban environment also presents opportunities for apartments, townhouses, dual occupancy and boutique residential development. For property owners and developers, early architectural analysis can help establish the potential of a site before significant investment is made in design. We consider dwelling yield, orientation, natural light, neighbouring properties, overlooking, access, car parking, private open space, landscape and relevant planning controls alongside the commercial objectives of the project.

Good residential development is about more than maximising floor area.

Efficient planning, excellent natural light, thoughtful interiors and well-considered outdoor spaces can create homes with stronger market appeal while responding appropriately to their urban context.

Architecture, Interiors & Landscape

Minett Studio provides architecture, interior design and landscape design as an integrated service.
For inner-urban properties, this whole-of-home approach can be particularly valuable. Architecture and interiors are developed together to make intelligent use of available space, while courtyards and gardens can provide light, outlook, privacy and greenery within constrained sites. Our interior design service can extend from spatial planning through to kitchens, bathrooms, bespoke joinery, lighting, stone, flooring, fixtures, fittings, furniture and material selections. Externally, courtyards, terraces and gardens are considered as part of the architecture, creating valuable extensions of internal living spaces.

Pre-Purchase Architectural Advice

Buying a property in St Kilda can involve much more than assessing the existing house or apartment.
Heritage controls, planning requirements, neighbouring development and the physical constraints of the site can significantly influence what may ultimately be possible. Minett Studio can provide pre-purchase architectural advice to help clients understand the potential of a property before committing to it. We can review the existing building and site, identify potential opportunities and constraints, discuss possible renovation or redevelopment strategies and provide initial guidance around the likely scale of construction budget required.

For a property that is almost right, understanding what could realistically be changed may make the difference between walking away and recognising an excellent opportunity.

Considering Building or Renovating in St Kilda?

Whether you are considering the renovation of a period home, a contemporary extension, a new residence or a residential development, early architectural advice can help establish the potential of your property.

Minett Studio offers a complimentary initial design consultation to discuss your property, your ideas and the opportunities that may exist.

Minett Studio — Architecture · Interiors · Landscape