Pi_Pad is a townhouse renovation with upper-level living retreat that explores multi-generational multi-modal living, landscape and place. The focus of the design is a striking metal-clad upper level retreat that utilises raking roof, soaring eaves and dual-balconies to anchor interior and exterior garden spaces into the St Kilda West landscape.
• Pi_Pad achieves excellence in design outcome. Honest and careful utilisation of resources within the restrictions of site and budget to create maximum impact greater than the sum of its parts, transcending the brief.
• Every moment has been curated, including the textural kitchen renovation that transforms use and experiential quality of the ground floor.
o Green elements and signature furniture / joinery pieces help anchor interior spaces to external ones, i.e. through the pastel green custom cabinetry in ‘Falklands’ and the dark emerald green of the Supertuft carpet. A soft grey paint was chosen to enrich the spatial language and connect better to external decking. Other layered green and black elements further anchor to external spaces include Anaca Studio stool and armchair, Kett sofa from Cosh Living, and RJ Living bedhead in textures of green.

Pi_Pad exceeds 6-star NatHERS rating and post-occupancy performance exceeds expectations. Prescient consideration was given to energy use, and gas supply was decommissioned. An all-electrical installation supported by a 5KW solar array was achieved, despite the compact room form, utilising high-efficiency solar panels.

All timber was specified and checked during construction to be FSC or chain-of-custody equivalent, including timber screens, timber used the stair and balustrade, the kitchen timber battens, Royal Oak floor/benchtops and the Polytec timber veneer. The 'raw concrete' caesarstone is environmentally friendly and certified for its durability and low maintenance, and all paints and carpets are low-VOC.

A 1000L rainwater tank is installed in the front garden together with raingarden and ground-floor WC flushing, and other energy efficient installations including a heat-pump to drive hot water and air-conditioning.

Skylights are aligned in the floor-plan layout even though a new floor plan is added, for light penetration through to the ground floor particular in the stair and kitchen voids. The stairwell linear skylight extends into the eaves overhang as an optical illusion, extending interior space into the sky.

All photographs by Shannon McGrath