A timeless masterpiece of elegance and sophistication – ADA’s design, functionality and liveability aspects have been refined to tell significant stories of what makes the essence of a home and its area truly distinguishable. ADA is about embracing opportunities and exploring life through a new lens. For some, it’s the intrigue of beginning a new chapter for others – its reconnecting with a life they already know and love.
Defined by characteristics that command a change in perspective, ADA evokes and encompasses the very essence of a new life without compromise. Situated in Melbourne’s enchanting south-east, this curated collection of private residences is a contemporary interpretation of classical architecture, guided by a deep understanding of space, light and proportion.
Rich in natural beauty, and infused with timeless wonder, ADA adds to the cultural fabric of the historic and ever intriguing suburb of Toorak. The design draws on timeless principles and distills them in a striking work of architecture that’s robust, refined and beautiful to a fault.
The building’s distinctive sculptural form is complemented by lush, layered landscaping that grounds the façade at street level and resonates with the area’s verdant topography, ensuring that ADA reflects the grace and grandeur of the finest Toorak homes.
Distinguished, intriguing and befitting of its revered location, ADA’s entrance experience provides a seamless transition into the privacy and comfort of the residences, ensuring that each journey home ends on a welcoming note.
Encompassing a soft, tonal palette, the point of entry echoes the historic modernist and brutalist architecture found in the area and underscores the conversion from the public realm to the intimacy of home. Providing a sense of pride, entering through the gate displays bold, confident and memorable features, with generously lined vegetation and a stone-tiled pathway, giving access to the elegantly designed lobby within.
Toorak, more than any other suburb, abounds with natural beauty. Streets are lined with evergreens, oaks and elms that have flourished for generations, while nearby parklands are known for their rolling hills and winding paths, inviting quiet exploration at every turn.
ADA blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings; it channels the neighbourhood’s ineffable charm and brings the benefits of nature directly to its doorstep. A golden elm tree, situated in the corner of the site, has long thrived at this location and is a proud feature of these homes. Tucked within generous, seasonal landscaping, the established elm’s emerald-green canopy offers shade across the day and enhances privacy for its residents.
“We take pride in bringing a unique architectural approach to landscape design, creating spaces that people will appreciate for years to come.” — Jack Merlo
With the highest level of craftsmanship in every detail, ADA’s living areas embody the comfort, warmth and sophistication of the finest Toorak homes. Neutral tones complimentary to the enduring travertine materiality and spacious layouts provide ample flexibility to display elegant furnishings, rare antiques and valued works of art.
Playing a significant role in the feel of a home, sensibilities are accommodated with ease in these timeless spaces. Unified and understated, the living areas authentically reflect the personalities of residents and celebrate the rich tapestry of their lifestyles.
ADA’s refined kitchen design embraces a contemporary aesthetic with ample storage and generous layouts, making hosting of intimate gatherings and larger events an effortless experience. With the natural extension of the butler’s pantry, ADA features appliances specified to the highest quality from established makers including Miele and Barazza, paired with tapware by Streamline and Franke.
Designed with functionality in mind, all appliances are integrated to complement the beauty, refinement and simplicity that defines the interiors.
Fostering a strong sense of comfort, calm and belonging, bedrooms at ADA ensure that each day begins and ends seamlessly. Residents will find convenience and confidence in these spaces, where the craftsmanship and attention to detail has been meticulously considered throughout. Modern joinery, integrated robes and open layouts outline the relaxed yet refined settings.
With direct connections to private balconies and terraces, residents can welcome the dappled light of the sun as it passes gently through the canopy of the trees and into their private sanctuary.
Designed with residents daily rituals in mind, ADA’s bathroom areas captivate a backdrop of rejuvenating components and promotes a setting of comfort and calm. From neutral tonalities and complementing textures in materiality, the spaces provide generous layouts and tall ceilings, with every element being considered to create a serene atmosphere and promote wellbeing.
Tranquil, comfortable and composed, all bathrooms feature dual vanities and grand-scale mirrors, complemented by tapware, basins and baths from makers including Streamline and Apasier. Each piece has been chosen for its enduring appeal and unrivalled functionality.
Designed to reflect the lifestyle provided by a stand-alone home, these grand residences are amply sized and generously landscaped. Beautiful modern interiors flow out to accommodating terraces where residents can host large, convivial gatherings surrounded by natural beauty. Residents can rest assured knowing that guests will always feel comfortable and cared for on these vibrant terraces.
Shade is to be enjoyed throughout the warmer months as climbers and creeping vines flourish across the pergola and spill out across the terrace when in bloom. Residents are encouraged to relax and unwind in the privacy provided by the lush, sprawling greenery, and to take a moment to stop and marvel at the phenomenal view to Melbourne’s atmospheric cityscape.
“The interiors are inspired by a desire to create a warm, restrained and timeless aesthetic – they’re interiors that prioritise longevity and sophistication over trends and tokenistic gestures” — Paul Conrad
Guided by a shared vision to create contemporary homes that offer a distinct, considered and uncompromising lifestyle, this Buxton Projects building is designed in partnership with Conrad Architects and Jack Merlo Landscaping. Through close collaboration at every step, ADA has been envisioned with unrivalled elegance and natural beauty in mind, in a neighbourhood they’ve long respected and admired.
Josh Buxton, Paul Conrad and Jack Merlo have all received awards for their past work and are widely considered to be among the best in their fields.
Conrad Architects is a Melbourne-based architecture and interior design practice that delivers distinctive and timeless designs tailored to meet the demands of contemporary life. Under the leadership of founder and principal architect Paul Conrad, the practice takes a humanist approach to design that posits architecture and interiors as a singular and seamless experience.
As a result, Conrad Architects’ projects are timeless, quiet and dignified—a melding of contemporary and traditional values underscored by a deep respect for classical architecture. More than the mere provision of shelter, Conrad Architects believes architecture should strive for higher goals; those that transcend the physical and enter the realm of poetics. It is here that architecture can positively impact people’s lives and contribute to a better future.
What was the design inspiration for ADA?
ADA is inspired by the grand garden residences of Toorak; the prestigious, long-standing homes that have defined Toorak’s reputation. ADA borrows the sense of stature, proportion, and dignity from these homes and combines it with modern technology and contemporary stylings to create light-filled spaces that offer calm and respite.
What informed your decision to select the materials, finishes, fixtures and overall aesthetic?
The overall aesthetic is guided by our design philosophy, which we’ve been refining for many years. We focus on the enduring principles that have informed great architecture and design for thousands of years: space, light, proportion, form, materiality, structure and detail—getting these things right makes all the difference.
From ground level homes to the canopy residences, what is the desired living experience for the residents at ADA?
Residents at ADA can expect a living experience that is more akin to a stand-alone home than an apartment. We’ve taken each and every element from our luxury home projects and adapted them for more convenient, low-maintenance apartment living. From the feeling of space conferred by the generous layouts, to the relationships between the spaces, to the views to greenery and nature, everything has been carefully considered for its positive impact on everyday living.
What do you think makes these homes standout from others of a similar nature?
Our holistic design process. We don’t draw any distinction between architecture and interior design. Both elements are equally important to the look and feel of a home, and they need to work together seamlessly. This means every detail is considered in relation to the project as a whole; the façade of the building, the orientation of a room, or the door handles—everything has to speak to each other and resonate with the occupant.
Being a well renowned architect, where do you turn to first for a source of inspiration?
Our primary source of inspiration is the history of architecture—from classical to mid-twentieth century design. We believe architecture should be true to its time and avoid historical reproduction; nevertheless, the history of architecture provides a rich source of inspiration when it comes to building proportions, materials and detail. Some things will always work.
As one of Australia’s leading landscape architecture studios, Jack Merlo takes immense pride in bringing a unique architectural approach to landscape design, resulting in beautiful spaces that people can appreciate for years to come. Founded in 2005, following a series of high-profile awards, the studio is known for bringing a tailored and considered response to every project that brings clients’ visions to life.
Jack enjoys close working relationships with many leading architects and developers, and is highly sought after as a partner on high-end, multi-residential projects. In recent years he has designed landscapes that range from private courtyard gardens to expansive rooftop lounges and many other innovative outdoor spaces. Each project receives Jack’s personal attention, from the initial client brief to the final contract documentation.
What was the brief from Buxton Projects that informed the landscape design?
Buxton Projects had a clear vision for the landscaping at ADA. The goal was to design well considered, generous and highly functional outdoor spaces that provide a lush backdrop to the residences, maximise usable space and work hand-in-hand with the wonderful architecture.
What were some of the challenges and how did you work around these?
As with any multi-residential development, providing privacy between the outdoor spaces is always a challenge. We worked closely with Conrad Architects and Buxton Projects to design planters and screening that achieves privacy without the use of physical screens. This took a lot of consideration, but because of that the outdoor areas feel private and secluded, without compromising on space or views.
How has the landscape design of ADA embraced the local fabric of Toorak?
We do a lot of work in Toorak and Stonnington more broadly. Toorak is known for its lush large gardens and ADA is no exception. There’s canopy trees, verdant screening, and floral layering and foliage plants to ensure the garden changes and responds well to the seasons. The planting schemes will be familiar to people who know the neighbourhood. They resonate with Toorak. These apartments are house-sized. They open out to large gardens and terraces, which provide an extension of the internal living spaces—much like stand-alone Toorak homes.
How did the architectural vision shape your response to the selection of planting within the residences?
The architecture is defined by its use of clean lines, high-quality natural stone and timbers, and hand-crafted metal detailing. The greenery and its application complements those elements to seamlessly blend the architecture, landscape and interiors.
What inspires your creativity when conceptualising an initial idea for clients?
We take pride in bringing a unique architectural approach to landscape design, creating spaces that people will appreciate for years to come. Each and every project we take on is an individual and considered response to the vision of the client. We work closely to understand their particular aims, and we bring ordered, organic and site-specific landscaping that improves the built environment.
Buxton Projects specialises in a diverse range of residential, industrial and commercial property, informed by the Buxton family’s extensive involvement and expertise in Melbourne real estate and property, dating back to 1850.
The business is led by Josh Buxton, who has many years experience in the property industry and has been involved in some of Australia’s most iconic and successful residential developments. It’s this experience that Josh carries with him in the operation of Buxton Projects, and the complete services provided to its clients.
Apart from being a Toorak address, what was the reason behind purchasing this site?
This site is truly great. Beyond the widely known benefits of living in Toorak, the address is a stone’s throw from one of the city’s best inner-suburban retail districts, High Street, Armadale, and just moments from public transport that links to wider Melbourne. On top of that, the sheer size of the site, and its position among established trees, meant that it was an unmissable opportunity.
What was your initial inspiration and brief to Conrad Architects for the project?
Our aim was clear and simple: develop a beautiful building that feels like home. Hand-crafted apartments for people that notice the little things. Homes that ensure occupants feel secure and calm when they come home. We also knew that the landscaping had to go hand-in-hand with the architecture. They had to function as one collective element to truly complement each other. From day one, design leads Jack and Paul worked in close collaboration to make all this happen.
What were the opportunities and challenges in bringing your vision to life?
In the south-east corner of the site there’s this magnificent Pin Oak tree. It’s been there a long time. It’s important. As soon as we saw this tree, we knew it needed to be preserved, to be integrated into the design. So we had to work around it, protect it, when designing and building ADA. And this paid off. Because we went to such effort to retain it, several of the apartments have direct views of this majestic tree. It’s an integral part of the site. ADA wouldn’t be the same without it.
What were some features that you felt ADA could not be developed without?
ADA was such an intriguing concept for us. It has such a strong, commanding identity, and doing the concept justice meant we needed a strong and commanding façade. Landscaping was incredibly important too. Calm, comfort and a great sensory experience were key elements of our vision for ADA, so there’s a lot of emphasis on greenery and plant life, and how it will benefit residents in the long term.
What inspires you as a developer?
As a builder of homes, we’re inspired by architecture and design, and by the positive effects they can have on people and communities. We’re driven to make places and spaces that help occupants live their best lives, in locations they love.
Whether it’s a brief stop for your morning coffee or a longer stay for brunch, Middletown Cafe is your go-to destination. Inspired by the Duchess of Cambridge (yes, really), every detail has a regal and majestic touch that feels warm, welcoming and above all else—charming to a fault.
229 High Street
Prahran 3181
Visit Website
The venue provides outstanding, contemporary dining with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients of the highest quality. Coffee comes courtesy of Code Black and its bracing perfection can’t be overstated.
Serving as both a wine bar and bottle shop, Toorak Cellars is the preferred haunt of many a wine lover. Whether you’re after a classic German Riesling on a sunny afternoon, or passing through to pick up something new for your personal collection, Toorak Cellars stocks a vast selection of traditional and contemporary wines to accommodate every occasion.
16 Beatty Avenue
Armadale 3143
Visit Website
Owners Lyndon Kubis, Renton Carlyle and Mark Hopkinson know more than a thing or two about wine, and they couldn’t be more pleased to share their best drops with discerning customers. Pull up a chair and get acquainted with unforgettable wines. You’re in safe hands, amongst the best of company.
Taking cues from France’s distinct approach to hospitality, Bouzy Bar à Vins brings the everyday splendour and warmth of French dining to Armadale. Rough yet refined, effortless yet detailed, Bouzy serves up a variety of French cuisine staples that can be paired with the perfect wine, beer or cocktail.
976 High Street
Armadale 3143
Visit Website
Run jointly by restaurateur Jason Jones of famed Parisian-inspired steakhouse Entrecôte, and interior designer Brahman Perera, it’s no surprise that the food, drink and atmosphere work together perfectly. When the mood strikes, there’s no better place to while away an afternoon over hors d’oeuvres and a Beaujolais wine.
Japanese cuisine is known for its striking attention to detail and depth of flavour—and both of those qualities are on full display at Sonny Chiba. There’s a wide variety of dishes on offer, from traditional fare like sashimi, nigiri and soba to more contemporary delights including the much-coveted curried beef brisket doughnut.
18 Beatty Avenue
Armadale 3143
Visit Website
Regardless of selections, you can rest assured knowing all food is meticulously prepared and hits the palette with umami satisfaction. The space further exemplifies Sonny Chiba’s commitment to authentic Japanese fare, with pared-back dining areas incorporating timber and terrazzo that’s ideal for intimate gatherings.
Rich with historic grandeur, sprawling with natural beauty, and home to the city’s finest amenities, Melbourne’s south-east offers a distinct way of living. Main streets thrive with iconic cafes, restaurants and bars set alongside boutique retailers, contemporary ateliers and cultural institutions. Charming, tree-lined streets showcase architectural marvels, new and old, while heritage parklands offer sanctuary and respite.
Tailored for individuals who understand what makes the area unique, ADA is a rare opportunity befitting of its address. Situated in the heart of Toorak, it’s guided by the sensibilities that have come to define the neighbourhood, encouraging you to pause, reflect and experience life from a different angle.
A long-held favourite among Armadale locals, Rose St Trading Co epitomises the warmth and communal spirit that the area is known for. Walk in and you’ll soon be greeted by owners Cate Boots and Alex Muir, alongside their close-knit team. Been away for the weekend? Taken any trips abroad recently? Cate and Alex are always eager for a chat—so much so that you might forget why you came in the first place.
1036 High Street
Armadale 3143
Visit Website
Whether it’s a collection by a local artist or something sourced from Paris, New York or Dubai, there’s always discoveries to be made. From artisanal furnishings and designer lighting to summer clothes for the next family holiday, Rose St Trading Co has just what you’re looking for—and then some.
Formerly an art director for Vogue Australia, Lee Mathews approaches fashion and design with a distinct approach that posits each piece of clothing as a wearable work of art. From humble origins in Newport, Sydney, designing clothes for herself and friends, Lee has since gone on to garner an avid global customer base who trust her signature, experimental style that blends natural textiles with distinct prints and artistic motifs.
1046 High Street
Armadale 3143
Visit Website
Lee Mathews’ Armadale atelier stocks an ever-evolving collection of clothing, accessories and homewares, all of which exude a subtle elegance and centre of Lee’s core belief: ‘make good things’.
In 2013, Miles Wharton and Rami Mikhael founded The Bespoke Corner with a clear vision. They wanted to create a tailoring experience befitting of the modern Australian, that reflected the unique stylings of the city and met the sartorial needs of a new generation. True to its namesake, The Bespoke Corner believes in quality over quantity and prioritises customer satisfaction above all else. The pair pride themselves on making impeccable clothes for discerning customers; hand-crafted garments that speak for themselves—and speak volumes
1046 High Street
Armadale 3143
Visit Website
Offering the very best in English and Italian fabrics and styles, The Bespoke Corner offers a truly unique service: an opportunity to create a wardrobe made with exquisite care and attention to detail, exclusively for you.
Named for the highest possible index for an optical lense, One Point Seven Four takes nuance and specificity to new heights, with a focus on boutique, designer-made eyewear for those who appreciate the finer things. Ever committed to redefining the ways in which we consider eyewear, these optics specialists favour pieces that are made with meticulous care, and the finest materials.
3/243 Toorak Road
South Yarra 3141
Visit Website
In addition to stocking the largest collection in Australia of eyewear by Linda Farrow, One Point Seven Four offers a refined collection of spectacles and sunglasses from world-renowned labels including Gotti, Cutler and Gross, Alexander Wang, Dries van Noten, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Barton Perreira.
Historic Kings Arcade continues to be a central hub for the local community of Armadale. Home to a curated selection of retailers, hand-picked by the arcade’s long-standing proprietors, this is one of Melbourne’s premier shopping experiences. From fashion, to dining, to beauty, wellness and personal development, there’s much to be discovered in this grand old arcade. Built in 1893, the arcade has a fruitful history of providing first-class services to Armadale locals and connecting people to wider Melbourne via public transport.
974 High Street
Armadale 3143
Visit website
The arcade is classified as a heritage building of historical significance by the National Trust—and when you’re within its splendid walls, it’s easy to understand why.
Recognised as one of the world’s leading experts in antiquities, Graham Geddes knows a thing or two about antique furniture, decorative and fine art. Ever passionate in his pursuit of beauty and knowledge, Graham has spent the last fifty years servicing a fiercely loyal and high-profile clientele with an avid interest in the finest pieces.
883 High Street
Armadale 3143
Visit Website
Despite being in his 80s, Graham continues to oversee the family business with his distinct touch and discerning eye, and he still travels abroad from time to time to evaluate rare pieces. The exquisite beauty of this collection of classic antiques and art simply cannot be overstated.
High Street, Armadale, is famed for its purveyors of the finer things, including books, antiques and art—and Douglas Stewart is one of the reasons why. A born book trader, Douglas began buying and selling books while he was still in high school. This innate zeal for the rarest literary and historical works propelled him to open his own store, Douglas Stewart’s Fine Books.
720 High Street
Armadale 3143
Visit Website
While the offering is diverse and touches on many fields of inquiry, the antiquarian specialises in travel, exploration and art with a particular focus on works from Australia and around the Pacific. In addition to stocking these incredible historical gems, Douglas deals in other heritage items including photographs, manuscripts, maps and fine art.
Launched in 2001, Metro Gallery has an unwavering commitment to contemporary Australian and international art, by both emerging and established artists. Since opening, the gallery has curated exhibitions by some of Australia’s most intriguing and revered practitioners, including locals John Olsen, Tim Storrier and Yvonne Audette, and international artists such as Damien Hirst, HODA and HUSH.
1214 High Street
Armadale 3143
Visit Website
The gallery is also a strong proponent of indigenous art and recognition, and has hosted exhibitions by some of the country’s most important indigenous voices, including Kathleen Ngale Tommy Watson and members of the Western Desert Aboriginal Art movement. Beyond exhibitions, the gallery regularly hosts cultural events that connect artists and clients.
Beginning on southern slopes of the Great Dividing Range, the Yarra River weaves its way through the forested hills of the Yarra Ranges and through the city of Melbourne before its journey ends at the mouth of Port Phillip Bay. Explore the Yarra and take in its natural beauty on a calming river cruise, take an enlivening walk along the Capital City Trail, or settle in for a beautiful sunset along the grassy bank.
A key feature of Melbourne’s identity, the Yarra is an integral part of the city’s natural environment that’s long been of spiritual and cultural significance to the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation.
One of the most prestigious tennis venues in Australia, the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club is an iconic Melbourne institution—appreciated by players and fans across the globe. Comprising stunning and meticulously groomed grass courts, Plexicushion courts and fully-lit all-weather en tout cas courts, the club offers a seamless year-round service and plays host to the world’s most elite players.
489 Glenferrie Road
Kooyong 3144
Visit Website
Off-court, the clubhouse caters to all needs. The intimate members-only lounge is ideal for a post-match conversation over drinks around the fireplace, while the magnificent function rooms unite the prestigious community for social events throughout the year.
Sprawling, peaceful and steeped in history, Malvern Gardens is built around a natural spring and is recognised by the Victorian Heritage Register. Once a barren, sandy heath-covered stretch of land, the area was transformed into a lush, green English-style park by 19th-century gardener Thomas Pockett, and went on to be the setting for Malvern’s proclamation as a city.
1275/1277 High Street
Malvern 3144
Visit Website
This monumental transformation of land took 20 years; and given the garden’s beauty, this comes as no surprise. More than a century since its creation, Malvern Gardens continues to be one of Melbourne’s greatest parks.
Designed in 1969 by local architects Kevin Borland and Daryl Jackson, the Harold Holt Swim Centre is built on the site of the original Malvern Swimming Baths and is one of the earliest examples of Brutalist architecture in Victoria.
1409-1413 High Street
Glen Iris 3146
Visit Website
Distinguished by its bold use of off-form concrete and glass and timber form-work, the centre is an iconic Melbourne landmark—and to this day, it continues to be a source of health and wellbeing for the Stonnington community. Drop in for an invigorating swim followed up with a soothing sauna at Melbourne’s greatest leisure centre.
Address
1095 Malvern Road
Toorak 3142
Display Suite
519 Toorak Road
Toorak 3142
The following terms and conditions (Terms of Use) govern your use of this website at https://www.adatoorak.com (the Website). The Website is operated by the Buxton Projects Pty Ltd (Buxton, us, we).
These Terms of Use constitute a legal agreement between you (the individual using this Website) and Buxton. By accessing this Website, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use and consent to the terms of our Privacy Policy, whether or not you have read them. If you do not agree to these Terms of Use, you must not proceed to use this Website.
We may revise these Terms of Use from time to time without notice. Such revisions will take effect when it is posted on this Website. Your continued use of this Website will be regarded as your acceptance of these Terms of Use, as amended.
1. Reliance on Information
This Website may include inaccuracies or typographical errors that may be corrected as they are discovered at Buxton’s discretion. All photographs, diagrams, drawings, plans or other graphics used on this Website are indicative only and may not be exact or accurate. Purchasers must rely on their own enquiries.
This Website is offered without warranties and any reliance on the information on this Website is entirely at your own risk.
2. Changes to this Website
Buxton reserves the right to makes changes to this Website at any time. Changes may be made to the information, names, text, software, images, pictures, logos, trademarks, functionalities, products and services and any other material displayed on, offered through or contained on this Website.
3. Links
This Website may contain links to external websites operated by third parties.
These links are provided for your convenience only. No endorsement of any third-party products, services or information is expressed or implied by any information, material or content of any third party contained in, referred to, included on, or linked from or to this Website. Any such website is not under our control and we do not take any responsibility for the contents.
In particular, and to the extent permitted by law, Buxton makes no warranties or representations regarding the quality, accuracy, merchantability or fitness for purpose of third-party material, products or services available through third party websites.
Similarly, Buxton makes no warranties that third-party material does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any person.
You must not create a link to this Website from another website or document without our prior written consent.
4. Warranties, Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability
This Website is provided on an “as is” basis without any express or implied warranty of any
kind. Buxton does not warrant that this Website or the server that operates it is free from viruses or other corrupted materials. Further, Buxton does not warrant that this Website will be compatible with the hardware or software you are using to access it.
The content of the Website may contain general information about Buxton’s products and services. Images and diagrams on this Website are intended to be a visual aid only and do not necessarily accurately depict the object described.
You are responsible for assessing the reliability, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability, quality, physical state or for a particular purpose of the material on or accessible through the Website. You accept all risks and responsibility for all loss, damage, costs and other consequences resulting from your use of the Website or the material on or accessible through the Website.