In the Como Hill district, on a strategic site formed by a green hillside overlooking the Yarra River in the Australian city of Melbourne, lies Como Terraces, a complex of eight residential buildings designed by architecture studio Carr.

The housing complex takes its cue from the context of the nearby early 20th-century apartment buildings and sits organically, adapting to the site's unique orography, a steep slope that drops 26 meters. The monolithic volumes open up to the landscape and meander along the hillside, guided by a central pedestrian path that, in sections, becomes a gentle staircase.

The design by Carr organizes the homes into a volumetric composition that, as it traverses the topography, undergoes slight shifts and rotations, seeking to maximize views of the river and the entry of natural light into the home's interiors. The complex fragments its monumentality into spaces with a gentle and intimate scale, generating an interesting and balanced composition in its spatial relationships.

The interstitial spaces resulting from the interplay of individual volumes act as landscaped communal courtyards, linking the different buildings through paths and fostering integration among the community.

The predominance of natural palettes in the choice of materials aims to create an atmosphere of calm and warmth. Meanwhile, in the interiors, this decision allows residents to personalize their spaces.

Como Terraces by Carr. Photography by Tom Ross

Como Terraces by Carr. Photograph by Tom Ross.

Project description by Carr 

Set on a once-in-a-lifetime site overlooking the verdant banks of Birrarung (Yarra River), Como Terraces is a complex series of eight buildings that work with the landscape, meandering and nestling into the steep topography that falls 26 metres.

Read as a series of buildings, rather than one large apartment block, Como Terraces is developed by Cbus Property and Sterling Global and appears as a collection of monolithic forms forged from the earth.

Positioned in the Como Hill precinct of South Yarra with a frontage to Alexandra Avenue, Como Terraces was contextually influenced by the nearby apartment buildings from the early 20th century. These respective apartments handle the topography with intriguing stairways that humanise and pedestrianise an otherwise large built form. This contextual influence is honoured in the central stairway within the falling terrain, creating a sense of interest to passing pedestrians and a connection back to the river corridor.

Como Terraces by Carr. Photography by Tom Ross.
Como Terraces by Carr. Photograph by Tom Ross.

The overall architectural outcome of Como Terraces is a collection of three-storey built forms that traverse the topography with slight shifts and rotations to maximise expansive views, space, and natural light to all apartments.

The resultant interstitial space establishes laneways and communal landscape courtyards, connected via paths and stairways that wind up the hill, connecting the individual buildings and internal communal spaces. These external spaces – protected by the wind, sun and urban noise – hold an inherent sense of calm encouraging interaction and community for residents and their guests. Designed in close collaboration with landscape architect T.C.L, the terrain throughout the site is home to native species indigenous to the river corridor.

The overall formation and placement of the eight buildings follow the topography of the site, solar orientation and viewpoints, sitting in what at first may appear to be at random but are selectively splayed as the site dictates. At the lower level, the buildings are positioned orthogonally to the bend of the river, and the second tier of built form angles in plan to afford large expanses of views that maintain privacy from the other buildings and neighbours. Working to the natural contours, the arrangement of each building limits overlooking, both among the new buildings on site and the seven existing surrounding buildings.

Como Terraces by Carr. Photography by Tom Ross.
Como Terraces by Carr. Photograph by Tom Ross.

The natural material palette—featuring rammed earth, travertine stone, timber floors, and sandblasted concrete—creates an atmosphere of calm, rationality, and warmth. This is evident in the communal areas, where the pared-back design allows the materials to speak for themselves.

Inside the residences, this curated palette provides a strong foundation for residents to personalise their spaces, with the textural variations of the earthy materials offering a raw environment where light and shadow play in ways reminiscent of a cave.

The project incorporates luxurious communal amenities, including private dining and lounge spaces, while most residences feature large balconies, expressed across the full width of the building. Understanding the needs of the future residents, each residence is spacious, with ample room for entertaining, while landscaping and gardening create a seamless transition to apartment living.

Como Terraces by Carr. Photography by Tom Ross.
Como Terraces by Carr. Photograph by Tom Ross.

All apartments face north in the master plan. Working as one with the architecture, the interiors frame, rather than obstruct, the views of South Yarra, establishing a transitional space between the indoor and outdoor. Passive wayfinding and discreet signage also intuitively guide residents and visitors without disturbing the overall serenity of Como Terraces.

As an architectural endeavour, Como Terraces seeks to balance the monumental with the intimate and explores the relationship between architecture, community and landscape. Our design celebrates the natural contours of the landscape and sets a benchmark for context-driven multi-residential design and consideration in Melbourne.

More information

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Architects
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Carr (Architecture and interior design).

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Project team
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David Brooks, Mustafa Ilker, Alan Hunt, Chris Eggleston, Stephanie Poole, Kenneth Wong, Bianca Dignan, Mark Graus, Chris McCue, Tamara Hannaford-Maizey, Ana Sa, Carla De Francesco, Isabel Williams, Lawrence Rocha, Sarah Birthisel, Stephanie Ayres, Timothy Kaye, Mariam Najeeb, Maree Paraskevopoulos, Angela Park.

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Collaborators
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Landscape.- T.C.L.
Styling.- Jess Kneebone.

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Client
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Cbus Property and Sterling Global.

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Area / Dimensions
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Total site area: Approximately 7,900 square meters. 
Number of homes: 39 luxury residences (two-, three-, and four-bedroom units).

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Dates
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Construction began in March 2022 and was completed in the third quarter of 2024.

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Location
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139 Alexandra Avenue. South Yarra, Melbourne, Australia

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Photography
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Carr Architects is an architectural firm based in Melbourne, Australia, founded by Sue Carr in 1971. The studio has over 50 years of experience in architecture and interior design, establishing itself as one of the most influential firms in the country.

Since its inception, Carr has championed architecture that dialogues with its surroundings, prioritizing the relationship between space, light, and materiality. Her work is distinguished by clean lines, the use of premium materials, and a special sensitivity to functionality and user experience. Over the years, she has received multiple awards for design excellence, with notable projects including Como Terraces, 835 High Street, and United Places Botanic Gardens.

Carr has built a reputation for rigour and timeless projects, earning her numerous accolades and recognitions. In 2006, Sue was inducted into the Design Institute of Australia's Hall of Fame. She has also been recognized at the AFR Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards, and in 2010, she received the Gold Medal for Interior Design at the Interior Design Excellence Awards. In 2021, Sue was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to interior design, education, and women in business at the Queen's Birthday celebrations.

With a multidisciplinary approach, the studio's projects span residential, workplace, and hospitality projects. Their commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency is reflected in each project, incorporating passive strategies and low-impact materials.

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Published on: March 18, 2025
Cite: "Balance composition of volumes on the riverbank. Como Terraces by Carr" METALOCUS. Accessed
<http://www.metalocus.es/en/news/balance-composition-volumes-riverbank-como-terraces-carr> ISSN 1139-6415
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