Boutique complex at Melbourne’s Heyington Place boosted by ‘perfect timing’

Perfect timing during the pandemic was the only reason Sterling Global’s Heyington Place project in Melbourne was able to get across the line.

Sterling Global’s Heyington project in Toorak, Melbourne.

Perfect timing during the pandemic was the only reason Sterling Global’s Heyington Place project in Melbourne was able to get across the line.

The boutique apartment complex of 12 residences in the blue-chip suburb of Melbourne wanted to offer an elegant design and luxury materials. Concepts of a building clad in cool-toned Portuguese limestone accented by warm timbers were drawn up, and construction began in July 2020.

Then the impacts created by international lockdowns kicked in: construction costs spiked and supply chain issues created ­material shortages.

The timing meant the $53m Heyington project was able to go ahead, but Sterling Global development director David Morgan does not think something of the same calibre could be built in today’s environment.

“Heyington Place simply could not be delivered in today’s market with today’s construction and supply costs,” he said.

“Sadly, I think lavish stone ­facades and premium building materials will become rare and exclusive as many developers and builders struggle to deliver high-quality projects with the current cost and supply chain challenges.”

Architect Carr was mindful the new development was to fit in among some of Melbourne’s oldest and most prestigious homes, so wanted to design something that was timeless and carried a sense of calm and ­spaciousness.

On a homeowner level, the idea was to create a cohesive experience while entering the property, which is why the selection of materials was highly considered, Carr’s associate director David Brooks said.

“Heyington reformulates modern apartment living through its sophisticated design and an acute understanding of how to instil a sense of home,” Brooks said.

The limestone panelling and detailed timber soffits used on the exterior of the project were a challenge for Visioneer Builders, as each small area required multiple stonemasons to ensure the joints and architectural elements to create the desired effect.

Interiors carry through the limestone elements to the benchtops in the kitchen bathrooms, while a sense of calm was designed to be felt through the balance of natural and artificial light. Grandeur is created by the high ceilings.

Each of the generously sized two and three-bedroom apartments over four levels are now complete, with prices for the remaining residences starting at $3.295m.