Melbourne may be marching forward to create more housing, but it's certainly not forgetting to take the past along the way. 

New housing projects are opening more doors to real estate as the state government pushes ahead with its plan to build 800,000 new homes in the next decade. 

However, this isn't a green light for rushed or shoddy developments. Developers are producing carefully considered housing that caters for all corners of the market and harks back to yesteryear. 

In Hawthorn, that's primarily the right-sizers who are searching for low-maintenance buildings and grounds designed with style and highest-grade quality. 

So, when developer Hamton purchased a 1.65-hectare site from the University of Melbourne in 2022, it immediately assembled a design team to create Scotch Hill Gardens. 

Woods Bagot was charged with architecture and interior design, while landscape architects at Tract will be responsible for 40 per cent of the site, which is a designated green area, including the retention of 77 mature trees.

In a similar approach, the architecture team will keep the character of Hawthorn embedded in the six buildings that will make up Scotch Hill Gardens. 

"Referencing the authenticity, grandeur and heritage character of the Hawthorn home, the architecture needed to feel familiar, yet elevated, fostering a natural sense of belonging within the neighbourhood," explained Peter Miglis, architect at Woods Bagot. 

The three buildings released in stage one - The Tate at five stories, The Woodburn at seven stories and The Ingleburn at eight - will bear the hallmarks of Hawthorn's heritage charm. This is largely drawn from the Edwardian, Victorian and Federation homes in the area, some of which date back to the mid-1800s. 

"For instance, the Tate building includes a strong brick masonry element, incorporating archway motifs and apertures characteristic of the Edwardian era," Miglis said. 

"The Woodburn borrows from the Victorian home ubiquitous in the Hawthorn context, with their haracteristic fine laced metal verandas. The Ingleburn draws on the Federation home and the associated arts and crafts movement through attention to detail and geometric order.”

Collaboration between designers and landscape architects will fulfil a vision for a development where nature comes first, said Cara Gabriel, interior design lead for Scotch Hill Gardens at Woods Bagot.

“We want the apartments to definitely have a sense of quiet luxury because it’s not a loud space – it’s a space to allow the residents to look outside and appreciate the nature that they’re surrounded by,” she said.

Many inner-city housing complexes focus on creating their own brand of luxury to capture a demographic craving prestige. But Scotch Hill Gardens has focused on drawing a feeling of serenity from its surroundings.

“From an interiors perspective, it’s all about these framed views looking outwards and that was a bit unique in this project,” she said.

“We often create these really inward facing spaces, these layered very opulent interiors where it envelopes you. But in this case, we wanted to create these outward facing experiences, so we wanted the apartments to be a bit more toned down.”

Residents will choose from two interior schemes with light and dark finish options. All of the apartments will either offer a tree canopy, garden or city view.

Specialist consultants at Dwell Concepts helped design the amenities, the standout being the Bath House. This is where residents can immerse in a “vitality pool”, dip into the cold plunge pool, and visit the sauna and salt room.

Other exclusive amenities include a co-working, lounge and dining space, and gym and fitness facilities.

The reception, which will feature a porte cochere, tea station and parcel area, will be staffed by a community manager who will be available during business hours.

Located on Robinson Road and stretching to the corner of Auburn Road and Bills Street, the site is just 10 kilometres from the city. As part of the Scotch Hill Gardens development, Hamton will also be creating a local village on Bills Street.

This and much can be found on the doorstep of the new development, including prized schools and public transport – Kooyong Station is 1.9 kilometres from the site, and the Monash Freeway is just a few minutes’ drive away.

Hamton will be hosting an Open House Event on February 15 between 10am and 2pm to launch Scotch Hill Gardens.

Article by Kate Jones, Domain.com.au.