Growing up in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne Daniel developed an interest in the works of local Architects and Builders. Their use of natural materials, reclaimed and locally sourced where possible, were ideas responding to the natural environment and a reconnection with it. Ideas explored by the likes of Alistair Knox in the decades after WW2.
Daniel started a friendship and working relationship with Hamish Knox while studying drafting, prior to going onto studying Architecture at RMIT. In 2010 Daniel and Wife Nicole undertook to build a new family home in Healesville. The house was designed in response to the beautiful natural setting and the use of reclaimed trusses and posts sourced from Hamish Knox. Daniel and Hamish work through the design and construction on site, detailing the building to respond to the selected materials and allow a responsive connection to the site.
Upon completing his architectural degree Daniel joined Specline Architects and worked along side its founder Árpád Gemes for some 18 years. Over this period they worked together on a wide range of residential, commercial and government projects. The project as highlighted here is Lon Retreat. Lon is a unique retreat and spa on the coast at Point Lonsdale. The project was an opportunity to work with Arpad’s son Rob and daughter-in-law Claire. Claire’s vision was to redevelop her parent’s bed and breakfast business on the family’s property. Daniel worked closely with Claire and Rob in the development of the design. Also working as project architect through the permit processes, documentation for construction, and then liaising through construction to see the full resolution of the facility.
Working in conjunction with local real-estate father and daughter team, Daniel worked on a design brief to develop 2 unique accommodation units with a further 2-bedroom apartment above. The Clients site in the heart of Healesville gave the opportunity to capture the panoramic views across the township and provide access to the township on foot. The design sort to optimize views, natural light and incorporate native hardwood timbers.
KG House presented DP Architects a unique opportunity to collaborate with the Client and locally renowned landscape designer Julie King on her family home. From the outset Daniel worked closely with Julie and Jason Manning from Treehouse Constructions.
Julie and husband Hamish presented a design brief which required the siting of a new extension and the remodeling of the existing residence within Julie’s developing landscape. With expansive views out over the gardens to the surrounding hills, the central extension was designed to become a hub connecting the bedroom wing, entertaining area, garden and proposed pool. The central pavilion sort to integrate all structures with the surrounding gardens.
Jason Manning brough his unique construction experience to the project with resolution of the reclaimed material selections and detailing.
Sited within beautiful native bushland the project for a new family home provided the opportunity to work with Clients with a strong connection and affinity for the landscape of their chosen site.
The brief explored the development of the house as both sanctuary and shelter from which to view and enjoy the natural surroundings.
The material palate was carefully developed to harmonize with the landscape.
Once again, the project was an opportunity to work with Craftsman Builders. Leigh Smart Builders bought a fine eye to the development and resolution of the finished building. Leigh was fanatical in his approach to ensuring seamless, connections and transitions of materials.
DP Architects worked closely with the local Healesville Vet to establish a new purpose-built clinic. The Client presented a detailed brief and concept based on his years of professional experience in his field.
The Client had a strong desire that the clinic was to sit quietly on the site and reflect the vernacular architecture of an Australian country township. The project presented many challenges through the planning permit process and in providing services and infrastructure to a greenfields site.
The Owner selected Matclair Constructions to undertake the construction works. Matclairs large project experience, attention to detail and sympathy for the selected materials ensured a very high resolution to the finished project.
With a shared passion for the use of natural and reclaimed timbers DP Architects and Treehouse Constructions have worked closely on many projects.
The resolution of any project is dependent upon the Architects design response to the Clients brief and the Builders skill and input onsite in with the selected materials and their connections.
In this project Daniel assisted Jason from Treehouse Construction with the redesign and development of his home. This project was very much a collaboration where Jason as the Owner and Builder sort to experiment and explore the use of materials and construction details, he had been utilizing throughout his building practice.
Working and living in the Yarra Valley DP Architects enjoy all aspect of working with clients living and operating their businesses in the rural environment.
Daniel worked closely with Stefano and Rina of Stefani Estate to develop their cellar door. The project brief was to work largely in the bounds of their existing production building. Linking the owner’s Italian heritage and the surrounding picturesque farm setting, the design looked to highlight the space with beautiful locally sourced hardwood timbers.
At DP architects we’re fortunate to be working on a range of projects. We have a wide field of experience and bring the same personalized service to each new project.
