A NOTE FROM OUR SALES EXECUTIVE JONATHON SCOTT
Welcome
to Issue 21 of Open Projects
Magazine. This edition celebrates the craft behind exceptional homes, and the people and brands shaping the way we live now, where performance, design and lifestyle are increasingly intertwined.
Our Feature Project, Wimba Ave in Kew, leads the issue with a refined, boutique approach to apartment living. Set on a quiet, tree-lined street just off Cotham Road, it brings together architectural clarity, generous proportions and a strong sense of privacy across a limited collection of residences, designed to feel enduring, elevated and effortless.
We also step into the creative worlds that influence how homes are conceived, styled and enjoyed. Our “In Conversation with…” series continues with architecture and interior design studio Ewert Leaf, alongside lighting studio Hauslights and lifestyle brand Bonnie & Neil. To bring the issue home, Valentine Hill Estate shares wine pairings designed to elevate entertaining, and we highlight seven recently leased rental properties, reflecting continued momentum across the Projects rental market. I hope this issue inspires you for the season ahead.
Jonathon Scott
FEATURING
IN CONVERSATION WITH EWERT LEAF
IN CONVERSATION WITH BONNIE & NEIL
IN CONVERSATION WITH HAUSLIGHTS
LEVANTINE HILL ESTATE PERFECT PAIRINGS
CURRENT PROJECTS
Society — Armadale
White & Weston — Balwyn
Laurel — Bentleigh
Bright— Brighton
Frith & Howarth — Brunswick
Drummond House — Carlton
Bakehouse Terraces — Fitzroy North
Enso Gardens —Glen Iris
Audrey Auburn — Hawthorn
Hawthorn House — Hawthorn
Denmark Gardens — Hawthorn East
Arteur — Kew
Montview — Kew
Prime — Prahran
Chomley Terraces — Prahran
Grandview — Prahran
First Light — South Melbourne
Rockley — South Yarra
71 Mathoura — Toorak
P.8 - 9
P.10 - 11
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P.14 - 15
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P.24 - 25
P.28 - 29
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DEVELOPED BY ARCHITECTURE BY
PROJECT MARKETING AND SALES BY BUILDER BY
LANDSCAPE BY DESIGN BY
“This is a rare opportunity to secure a thoughtfully designed residence within a tightly held Kew pocket, where house-like proportions and privacy are matched with private lock-up garages, ceiling heights of up to 5 metres, and the quiet exclusivity of a boutique collection of just seven residences.”
LIAM ADEY
MARSHALL WHITE PROJECTS DIRECTOR
9-11 WIMBA AVENUE, KEW
From $2,220,000
Positioned within a quiet, tree-lined pocket of Kew, 9–11 Wimba Avenue presents an exclusive collection of thirteen architecturally designed residences across two boutique buildings. Delivering house-like proportions with private outdoor spaces and refined finishes, the project responds to growing demand from local downsizers and established families seeking a turnkey lifestyle without compromising on scale, quality or connection to one of Melbourne’s most prestigious educational precincts. ■
IN CONVERSATION WITH
EWERT LEAF
We sat down with Simone MacGinley, Director at the architecture and interior design practice Ewert Leaf, to discuss the ideas shaping interiors today. She shares what she is noticing across space, colour and materiality, and what makes a home feel considered from day one.
What does interesting Australian interior design look and feel like to you?
To me, interesting Australian interior design feels connected and relaxed, with spaces that flow effortlessly and detailing that is simple, crafted and honest. It reflects our environment and harsh climate through enduring, robust and practical choices, while being layered with eclecticism that speaks to Australia’s cultural diversity and international influences. I’m especially drawn to interiors that tell a story - whether through subtle references to design movements, the considered use of pattern, or objects that evoke memory and nostalgia.
Your approach to colour: restrained, saturated, or layered neutrals with moments of intensity?
My approach to colour is restrained and layered, grounded in a strong tonal base with a predominance of natural materials. I value natural tones for their timeless quality, creating interest through tactility, texture and natural patterning rather than overt colour. Within this restraint, I like to introduce micro moments of colour, often through complex tertiary shades that sit between primary and secondary hues and are softened with neutrals or complementary tones, adding depth, subtlety and a quietly sophisticated richness.
What features are currently defining apartment interiors in Australia?
Apartment interiors in Australia are increasingly defined by the inclusion of secondary living spaces that support
lifestyle and wellbeing. These might take the form of a “good room” for entertaining, a studio for creative pursuits, or dedicated wellness spaces for activities such as yoga, Pilates or cycling, reflecting a broader shift toward enriching daily life by intentionally creating space within the home.
First-day questions you ask to unlock the brief’s DNA
To unlock a brief’s DNA on day one, I start by defining the project’s core design principles: its fundamental goals, key functionalities, commercial objectives, and the requirements for flexibility and longevity. I also explore the desired sensory experience and relevant historical or contemporary precedents to anchor the design thinking. From there, I recognise that every project is an evolving journey, and my role as a designer is to remain open to shifts along the way while consistently upholding the guiding principles of the brief.
What is your material of the moment?
My material of the moment is ceramic, particularly pieces that are natural and tactile in quality. This reflects a broader shift toward sustainability and sensory richness, creating interiors that feel grounded and connected to nature. I’ve always been drawn to ceramics, both as a collector of sculptural works and through making my own in a local studio - and I’m especially interested in products that explore decorative techniques such as bas-relief and sgraffito, where subtle pattern and contrast enhance their handcrafted, organic character. There are some incredible commercial products available that lean into these traditional techniques. ■
A 2-4 B 2-3 C 2
From $1,325,000
DESIGNED BY GARDENS BY
BUILT BY
DEVELOPED BY DESIGNED BY GARDENS BY BUILT BY
34 BLACK STREET BRIGHTON
A 3 B 3 C 3
From $3,750,000
Sculpted from Brighton’s textured coastal landscape, these palatial residences illustrate exceptional craftsmanship and an undeniable sense of grandeur, an ode to the streetscape’s heritage residences.
KIERRA HAGEDORN 0432 737 911
GARDENS BY DESIGNED BY MANAGED BY
BUILT BY
From $1,390,000
Opposite the newly created Yubup Park, this allelectric building offers green spaces, a communal garden, and easy access to Brunswick’s cafés. With a 7.5-star NatHERS rating, double glazing, solar power, and rainwater harvesting, it’s highly sustainable. 288-290 VICTORIA STREET BRUNSWICK
DEVELOPED BY DESIGNED BY LANDSCAPING BY
BUILT BY
IN CONVERSATION WITH
We recently spoke to Bonnie Ashley, co-founder and Creative Director of Australian textile brand Bonnie and Neil, about the art of living with colour and pattern. From hand-painted artworks to layered styling and future collections, she shared how thoughtful design can bring everyday joy into the home.
Bonnie and Neil is now a much-loved name in Australian design. How did the brand first come to life?
Bonnie and Neil began quite organically. Neil and I were both working in creative fields; I was a textile designer, and he was in furniture, and we shared a love for making things by hand. We started out printing small batches of textiles from our home in Melbourne, experimenting with colour, pattern and printmaking. What began as a handful of hand-printed cushions grew into a full collection, and from there, a brand built around the idea that artful design can bring joy into everyday life.
Can you share a bit about your creative process — from concept and inspiration to the final product?
It always starts with painting. Each collection begins as a series of original artworks, whether florals, motifs, or abstract forms, that I create in our studio. From there, we translate those paintings into textiles. Colour is a huge part of the process; I often spend weeks refining tones until they feel perfectly balanced. Once the designs are finalised, we work closely with our makers to bring them to life across various mediums, from cushions and table linens to ceramics, bedding, and bathmats.
What are some of your favourite ways to style your pieces, especially when layering patterns and colours?
For me, it’s about creating a story through texture and tone. I like to start with one hero piece, perhaps a floral cushion or a patterned tablecloth, and build from there using complementary colours and textures. Mixing bold motifs
with finer details creates balance and depth. Most importantly, I think styling should feel playful and intuitive, not overly considered. I always encourage people to trust their instincts and create spaces that make them feel happy.
If someone is new to Bonnie and Neil, what’s a great entry piece to start with?
A cushion is always a lovely place to begin. It’s such an easy way to introduce colour and pattern into your home and get a sense of our aesthetic. We design every piece to mix and match, so you can slowly build a collection that feels personal and effortless.
What’s next for Bonnie and Neil? Are there new directions or collaborations on the horizon?
We’re entering such an exciting phase of growth. We’ll be expanding our bedding range, something I’ve wanted to explore more deeply for years, and it’s been incredible to see how our linens, prints and palettes translate into that space. We’re also working on a very special drop of textiles for early next year, a collection that feels personal, playful and full of meaning. 2026 is shaping up to be our biggest year yet, with new categories, collaborations and creative projects in the works. I can’t wait to share it all!. ■
ARCHITECTURE
BUILT BY
390A QUEENS PARADE
FITZROY NORTH
A 2-3 B 2 C 1-2
From $1,950,000
Bakehouse Terraces, located at 390A Queens Parade in Fitzroy North, offers 14 architecturally designed terrace homes in one of Melbourne’s most desirable inner-city suburbs.
DEVELOPED BY ARCHITECTURE BY
44 SCOTT GROVE GLEN IRIS
A 3 B 3 C 2
From $1,855,000
Enso Gardens is a sculptural symphony of greenwhere nature and design meet in quiet harmony. Tucked behind Scott Grove, its Japanese-inspired landscaping by Acre features wisteria-draped pergolas, Zen stones, and a serene water feature.
ROSS HAMS 0410 160 151
DESIGNED BY DEVELOPED BY GARDENS BY BUILT BY
HAUSLIGHTS
We spoke to Amanda Dziedzic, co-founder of HausLights, alongside Laurel Kohut, about the studio’s evolution from HotHaus and the craftled thinking behind their luminous glass designs, shaping atmosphere in contemporary Australian spaces.
What did you want HausLights to represent as a natural evolution of your craft?
Over nearly two decades of blowing glass, Laurel and I made hundreds, if not thousands, of lights for other designers and makers, including Jardan, Coco Flip and Len Lighting. It became a testing ground for what a good lighting design looks like from a maker’s perspective. A successful handmade glass light must work in a production run, and the cold process of drilling must be considered so the fitting and finish hold up. The best outcomes happen when designer and maker share knowledge, and it dawned on us that this is us; we should be making our own lighting.
Creating lighting from molten glass demands both precision and intuition. How does the process influence your designs, and what role does experimentation play in your studio?
Intuition matters in glassblowing, but it only comes through experience. Years with the material builds familiarity, which leads to precision. Our experimentation is an extension of that. It is like needing the 72 set of Derwent pencils to illustrate the rainbow. With confidence in our skills, experimentation becomes fluid, and we keep pushing colour in search of the next incredible combination.
Colour is a defining feature of HausLights. How do you approach colour and shape to create pieces that feel sculptural yet balanced within a space?
We approach colour in glass a little like paint, mixing unexpected combinations into harmonious palettes that feel surprising, but resolved. Inspiration is in the everyday, from peeling paint on an old shopfront to the sky at dusk. In terms of shape, we gravitate
to forms we love making in glass, usually soft, organic silhouettes that suit the material in a looser and uncompromised way.
What does handmade design mean to you, and why do you believe it resonates so strongly with contemporary Australian homes?
Handmade design is life. With technology moving fast, it feels crucial to preserve and elevate Australian handmade work. Our pieces are designed to last a lifetime, if not heirloom status, and we make them with heart and by hand, backed by the highest technical skill in glassblowing. Supporting Australian artisan products is more than buying an object. People choose to value craftsmanship and become part of our collective story, and seeing our work in their home is the highest honour.
How do you see HausLights continuing to evolve, both creatively and in the way lighting shapes atmosphere, mood and everyday living?
HausLights will keep evolving through new designs and colourways. As colour enthusiasts we are attuned to how light shapes atmosphere and mood, so we will keep exploring new ways to bring light into spaces. We are open to collaboration, and what will remain constant is our love for what we do and our chosen material of glass. This is just the beginning for HausLights, and we are so excited to see how far we can take our designs. ■
ARCHITECTURE BY DEVELOPED BY GARDENS BY
BUILT BY
DEVELOPED BY DESIGNED BY BUILT BY GARDENS BY
PERFECT PAIRINGS OF LEVANTINE HILL ESTATE
We recently spoke with the team at Levantine Hill Estate, the Yarra Valley winery recently ranked the #3 winery in Australia by The Real Review, to learn more about their celebrated Family Paddock wines and the art of perfect food and wine pairings.
At the pinnacle of Levantine Hill’s portfolio, these smallbatch, single-vineyard wines showcase the ultimate expression of land, philosophy, and craftsmanship.
As winemaker Paul Bridgeman explains, “Balance is everything. Just as we strive to create wines with harmony and precision, food and wine should complement each other on the palate. Lighter dishes work beautifully with lighter wines, while richer, more full-bodied wines pair best with robust flavours and textures.”
When considering pairings, it helps to think about the six key flavour elements in cooking: salt, acid, sugar, bitterness, fat, and spice. Three of these – acidity, bitterness, and sweetness – also play a vital role in winemaking. Some flavours amplify each other to create a perfect match, while others can clash, so thoughtful pairing elevates the dining experience. Lighter proteins such as chicken, pork, seafood, and vegetable-based dishes tend to shine with white wines or elegant reds like Pinot Noir. Meanwhile, hearty red meats and slow-cooked dishes find their ideal partners in Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
2020 Levantine Hill Katherine’s Paddock Chardonnay
Awarded 97 points by Halliday Wine Companion, this Chardonnay is a refined expression reminiscent of Burgundy’s Grand Cru vineyards. Aromas of white peach, flint, and toasted brioche lead to a mineral-driven palate with exceptional length and poise. Perfect pairings include butter-poached crayfish, roasted chicken with tarragon, or soft-rind cheeses.
2020 Levantine Hill Colleen’s Paddock Pinot Noir
With 96 points from The Real Review, this Pinot Noir captures the elegance and delicacy of classic Burgundy. Perfumed with red cherry, rose petal, and forest undergrowth, it glides
across the palate with silky tannins and precise acidity. It pairs seamlessly with duck à l’orange, wild mushroom tart, or grilled quail.
2018 Levantine Hill Melissa’s Paddock Syrah
Awarded 97 points by critic Stuart Knox, this Syrah pays homage to the noble wines of the Rhône Valley. Plum, allspice, and white pepper aromas open into a graceful, lingering palate. Pair with charred lamb cutlets, roasted beetroot, or spiced eggplant – or try an adventurous match with dark chocolate mud cake.
2018 Levantine Hill Samantha’s Paddock Mélange Traditional
Celebrated as “sitting in with the great Cabernets of the world,” this Bordeaux-inspired blend showcases cassis, vanilla bean, and graphite over a finely structured, ageworthy frame. It’s a perfect match for dry-aged beef, truffle polenta, or rich chocolate fondant.
Discover the Source
To truly experience the essence of the Family Paddock range, visit Levantine Hill Estate in the heart of the Yarra Valley. Here, architecture, viticulture, and gastronomy unite in harmony. Private tastings and curated wine experiences await, set against the backdrop of rolling vineyards. ■
GARDENS BY DESIGNED BY DEVELOPED BY
BUILT BY
A 3 B 2 C 2
From $1,695,000
Where luxury meets forward-thinking design in a limited release of ten high-end apartments. Montview offers a refined living experience that harmonizes sustainability with elegance.
DESIGNED BY GARDENS BY
BUILT BY
A 2 B 2 C 1
From $1,565,000
Beyond the statement façade and the spacious interiors, it’s the philosophy of the design that stands apart: intelligent, private, healthy and sustainable.
DESIGNED BY DEVELOPED BY
BUILT BY
115 CHOMLEY STREET PRAHRAN
A 3-4 B 2.5 C 2-4
From $2,365,000
Chomley Terraces offers refined 3 and 4-bedroom townhouse’s in Prahran East offering living rooms that are a minimum 6m wide, 9ft ceilings, individual solar panels, EV ready and some with private lifts.
DESIGNED BY DEVELOPED BY GARDENS BY
BUILT BY
A 2-4 B 2-3 C 2
From $2,150,000
Construction started. Grandview offers luxury 2, 3 and 4-bedroom residences in Prahran East Village, near Hawksburn and High Street. Designed by Carr Design, these homes feature 3m ceilings, bespoke joinery, smart home tech, and city views.
DEVELOPED BY BUILT BY GARDENS BY DESIGNED BY
28 ALBERT STREET
SOUTH MELBOURNE
A 3-4 B 3-5 C 2-8
From $2,500,000
In Melbourne’s coveted Domain Precinct, First Light will soon unveil a groundbreaking fusion of art and architecture, promising to redefine the concept of luxury living through its innovative design and unparalleled attention to detail.
KIERRA HAGEDORN 0432 737 911
DEVELOPED BY INTERIORS BY
DESIGNED BY BUILT BY
A 3 B 3 C 2
From $3,500,000
From an esteemed collaboration between Genton and John Patrick, Rockley Rd is a boutique collection of contemporary town homes, designed with an emphasis on generosity of space, natural light and timeless architectural expression.
71 MATHOURA ROAD TOORAK
A 3-4 B 2-3 C 2-3
From $4,900,000
Boutique collection of just five oversized luxury residences by Studio McCue, where sculptural architecture, privacy and northern light define everyday living.
KIERRA HAGEDORN 0432 737 911
DEVELOPED BY
JUST LEASED
104/132 CHURCH STREET
208/127 CARDIGAN STREET
113/3 HURSTMON STREET MALVERN EAST
HAWTHORN
CARLTON
108/140 DUDLEY STREET WEST MELBOURNE
Jonathan is a leading member of our Projects team, representing sellers across both brand new and off-the-plan opportunities.
Known for his clear communication, professionalism, and client-first approach, he is committed to making the property journey as seamless and rewarding as possible.
Jonathan has quickly established himself as a high-performing agent. His success stems not just from strong results, but from the confidence and trust he builds with clients through attentive service and tailored guidance.
Whether assisting first-home buyers, downsizers, or experienced investors, Jonathan ensures every client feels supported, informed, and empowered to make the right decisions.
jonathan.scott@marshallwhite.com.au
INVEST IN YOUR LUXURY LIFESTYLE.
Secure your place in the future of contemporary living with off-the-plan developments represented by Marshall White Projects, showcasing unparalleled design and innovation.
We partner with Australia’s most trusted and established developers, builders, and designers to craft exceptional residences that redefine luxury and style.
Contact Marshall White Projects to explore all opportunities.
