43 rochester rd canterbury
DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM THE LONG ROOTED MAGNOLIA TREES ON SITE, DISCOVER THE RARE BEAUTY OF SERENE LIVING WITH ONLY NINE PRIVATE RESIDENCES.
Sculpted Form
Magnolia presents a considered architectural expression inspired by landscape, proportion and material depth. The façade is sculpted through a series of layered planes, softened edges and recessed forms that respond to the established residential character of Rochester Road. Natural stone, textured render and finely detailed metalwork introduce a tactile quality that shifts with light and shadow throughout the day.
Rather than asserting a singular gesture, the building is composed as a sequence of quieter moments, allowing planting and form to share equal presence. A rare collection of only nine residences, the architecture and landscape are interwoven, creating a frontage that is at once grounded and enduring. The façade of Magnolia reveals itself gradually, balancing refinement with a sense of place.
“With only nine residences, Magnolia was imagined as a place where privacy, generosity and landscape come together in a genuinely meaningful way. What excites me most is that these residences offer the ease of apartment living without compromising the comfort, scale and sense of arrival people often associate with a beautifully considered home.”
Gonzalo Ascui
Director, Ascui & Co.
How did the presence of the magnolia trees influence the way the architecture took shape?
Magnolia trees shaped the project, their character mirrored in architecture and landscape. Existing canopy, borrowed greenery and Jack Merlo’s gardens guided placement of buildings, openings and terraces. Rounded detailing, textured materials and warm tones echo the Magnolia’s contrast of glossy leaves, velvety undersides and sculptural blossoms.
What does privacy mean to you when designing a boutique collection of homes like this?
Privacy begins with planning rather than finishes. Magnolia’s split level arrangement means the lift opens directly to a single residence, removing shared corridors. Large floor plates, multiple frontages and generous storage allow residents to retain the comfort of a house with added security.
How do you hope residents will feel the moment they arrive home?
I hope residents arrive home and immediately sense comfort, privacy and connection to greenery. A lift delivers residents directly to their door, while abundant windows frame gardens and treetops across three aspects. Light, ventilation and generous proportions create ease of living, supported by roof terraces, warm materials and spaces designed for gathering, retreat and everyday enjoyment.
A cultivated approach
Arrival at Magnolia unfolds intentionally, moving from streetscape to garden to home. Landscaped setbacks and arbours create a softened threshold, guiding residents through greenery before reaching
the lobby. Materials transition underfoot and overhead, subtly marking the shift from public to personal space.
Emerald surrounds, dappled light and the presence of planting establish a feeling of retreat from the moment you walk in. Encouraging a slower pace, the arrival into Magnolia is to be felt rather than rushed.
Refined Spaces
Presenting an artisan’s touch, the grand lobby sets the tone for Magnolia’s interior experience. Light wells draw daylight deep into the space, illuminating natural stone surfaces, bespoke joinery and softly textured finishes. Open volumes and carefully considered proportions create a sense of arrival that feels generous and composed, as daylight filters through the space and materials reveal themselves
slowly, signalling a shift from the outside world to a more considered interior setting.
Within the residences, curated interiors are shaped by an intuitive relationship between space, material
and light. Open-plan living areas are generous and well articulated, allowing natural light to move freely while maintaining a strong sense of definition and elegance. Expansive spaces are carefully considered, balancing openness with moments of privacy throughout the home. Envisioned for a contemporary life, custom joinery and architectural detailing are seamlessly integrated and evoke an atmosphere of comfortable luxury.
A sense of arrival
The entries are marked by a moment of pause, where bespoke joinery and considered detailing define the transition inward. Custom cabinetry introduces texture and function from the outset, offering space to
store, display and settle. Refined materials shift subtly beneath foot and overhead, reinforcing the sense of arrival without overpowering.
Designed to feel personal, the entry sets the tone for the spaces beyond. Natural light filters gently across timber and rich surfaces, creating an immediate impression of craftsmanship and care.
Where form meets function
A sculptural stone island defines the kitchen, paired with natural timber joinery and integrated appliances. Entertaining flows easily, with a separate butler’s pantry concealing preparation and storage. Wine storage is thoughtfully integrated, forming a refined backdrop, while the overall composition supports daily living with intuitive organisation and enduring materiality.
Suppliers Selected With care
gaggenau
Selected for its uncompromising approach to performance and longevity, this suite of appliances introduces a professional standard into the domestic setting. Integrated seamlessly into the residences, the technology supports everyday rituals without visual dominance. Durability, reliability and thoughtful engineering underpin interiors designed for enduring, considered living.
ARTICOLO
Lighting plays a defining role in creating atmosphere and spatial depth. Handcrafted forms and nuanced finishes introduce warmth and intimacy, allowing illumination to move across surfaces throughout the day. These elements sit comfortably within the architecture, complementing the interiors through purposeful design choices.
EARP BROS
Earp Bros is one of Australia’s longeststanding tile suppliers, offering premium porcelain, ceramic and natural stone surfaces to the design and construction industry. Family-owned since 1883, the company works closely with designers to deliver high-quality, sustainable materials that elevate contemporary residential and commercial interiors.
ECO OUTDOOR
Natural materials and craftsmanship define Eco Outdoor’s approach to surface supply. Specialising in premium stone, timber and exterior finishes, the company collaborates with architects, designers and landscapers to source materials of exceptional quality, bringing texture, longevity and authenticity to thoughtfully designed outdoor and architectural environments.
“I believe lighting should be experienced, not just seen. When crafted with intention, it brings warmth, depth and presence to a space. Thoughtful design allows light to shape atmosphere quietly, supporting how we live, gather and feel within our homes over time.”
Nicci Green
Founder, Articolo
How does craft shape your design decisions, from first sketch to finished piece?
Craft is embedded from the very first sketch, shaping how each piece is conceived, made and resolved. We design with an awareness of the human hand, material behaviour and the artisan’s process, always considering how something will be formed, not just how it will appear. That dialogue between making and design gives each piece its character.
What role do you believe lighting plays in creating atmosphere within a home?
Lighting shapes how a space is felt as much as how it is seen. Thoughtfully selected pieces introduce depth, movement and shadow, allowing interiors to feel layered and expressive. Light becomes a sculptural presence, adding warmth and personality while supporting moments of pause, comfort and connection within the home.
When designing for longevity, what matters most to you as a maker?
Longevity comes from focusing on proportion, material integrity and considered craftsmanship rather than fleeting trends. Pieces that are well made and thoughtfully engineered age with grace and relevance. If a light continues to bring warmth, atmosphere and beauty into someone’s life many years later, then it has achieved its purpose.
Outdoor Connection
Full-height sliding doors extend the living space outward, allowing interiors to connect effortlessly with outdoor spaces. Thresholds are softened, creating a natural flow between inside and out.
sustainability
Gas FreE
Magnolia is designed as a fully gas-free development, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting a lower-emissions lifestyle. Electric appliances and systems have been carefully integrated throughout the residences, aligning long-term environmental responsibility with contemporary living standards.
Carbon Neutral
A commitment to carbon neutrality reflects Magnolia’s broader environmental responsibility. Emissions associated with the development are measured and offset, ensuring the project contributes positively beyond its physical footprint.
7-STAR ENERGY RATING
Designed to achieve a 7-Star NatHERS energy rating, the homes deliver strong thermal performance, improved comfort throughout the seasons and reduced household energy consumption over time.
E.V. CHARGING
Provision for electric vehicle charging is provided within the car park of each dwelling, supporting future EV installation and encouraging the transition toward cleaner transportation.
SOLAR PANELS
A 14kW grid connected photovoltaic solar system supplies renewable electricity for common property power requirements, reducing operational energy use and supporting long term sustainability.
WATER RECYCLING
A central basement water tank collects and recycles water for toilet flushing across all dwellings and irrigation of communal landscaped areas, reducing overall water consumption.
WATER HEATING
A rooftop heat pump hot water system provides energy-efficient water heating for the development.
Curated for modern living
Changing patterns of work have reshaped the home. A dedicated study supports focus and privacy, while a second living area offers flexibility for retreat or shared use, allowing spaces to adapt with ease as routines shift and evolve.
Within the primary wardrobes, custom-made joinery and ample integrated storage are an ode to form and function. It provides a considered place for clothing, personal objects and treasured pieces, allowing each residence to reflect the individuality of its occupants.
Crafted with intention, these elements showcase exceptional craftsmanship, elevating routines into acts of luxury. Integrated seamlessly, the joinery shapes the experience, framing moments of pause and preparation.
Private Sanctuaries
The elegantly appointed and light-filled bedrooms are the epitome of heightened relaxation. Generous proportions and carefully positioned glazing draw in natural light while framing views of the landscaping.
With plush carpets, a spacious walk-in-wardrobe and expansive sliding windows, awakening to beautiful surrounds each and every day is a given.
Serene Rituals
Defined by exemplary premium finishes, Magnolia’s exceptionally curated primary ensuite has been crafted without compromise. Natural stone surfaces, textured glass and carefully selected fittings establish a refined material palette that is indulgent yet enduring.
A freestanding bath is positioned to capture natural light, while dual basins and generous storage support routines with ease. Texture, proportion and illumination are thoughtfully balanced throughout, shaping a serene and immersive space. Evoking a spa-like experience within the privacy of home, here, materiality and light work in harmony.
9 residences crafted in Canterbury
Sophisticated Homes starting from $3m
Stephen Bowtell
0455 038 022
43 Rochester Rd. Canterbury
All Architectural Images are artist impressions
Notice from the Developer . Disclaimer
