How CBG Architects and Mim Design teamed up at Live Brighton apartments
CBG Architects has been at the forefront of innovative design for over four decades, having been founded by Luch Crema and Con Bahramis, both distinguished graduates in Architecture from the University of Melbourne.
In 1997, the firm joined forces with award-winning designer Pietro Giordano to form CBG Architects, further solidifying their position as industry leaders.
Their most recent designs were for Circa Property Group's Live Brighton, on the edge of renowned Church Street strip.
The Bryson Avenue development presents a thoughtful and reflective design that pays homage to the neighbourhood's rich botanical and architectural heritage.
The building's form is skilfully softened by subtle curves and textural renders, which wrap around the facade in structural bands. These bands give rise to generous, cantilevered balconies that offer both privacy and a seamless connection to the outdoors.
The upper levels feature bladed details that enhance privacy while adding a touch of character to the overall design. With a maximum of three residences per floor, the building's distinctive style combines open, light-filled spaces with a visually striking exterior, exuding presence, texture, and solidity.
The interiors of Live have been curated by the renowned designers at Mim Design. The ground-floor layout of the expansive two and three-bedroom residences showcases a blend of natural light, soft lines, and warm textures. Sumptuous curves and textured plasterwork reinforce the soothing ambiance, guiding the eye towards banks of northern glass and garden spaces beyond, coupled with high ceilings and wide-board Oak flooring.
The kitchen, a central hub for cooking, dining, and socialising, reflects a clear sense of purpose and original design. Mim Design's concept elevates the kitchen to the realm of finely crafted furniture. Subtle rolled edges and contrasting geometric forms, paired with a restrained tonal palette, create a dynamic space. Swirling marble details and sophisticated metal finishes bring the kitchen to life, while soft shades of grey joinery, stone surfaces, and brushed metal splashbacks open up the space, integrating it with the living areas.
Premium appliances from Wolf, Asko, and Liebherr are integrated within the cabinetry, while a concealed butler's pantry adds a touch of practicality. The island bench, with its stone base and cantilevered stone top, enhances functionality and provides additional seating and dining space.
The open apartment plans at Live are designed to be personalised and welcoming. Full-height glass sliders create a seamless relationship between the indoors and the outdoors, allowing sunlight to wash over the interiors.
A feature fireplace with honed marble and patinated brass surrounds anchors the space, inviting guests to linger. The joinery, designed as bespoke furniture, combines function and aesthetics seamlessly. Floor-to-ceiling glass cabinetry with metal shelves and marble interiors adds a touch of elegance, while a sliding timber panel conceals the television, adding to the overall sense of design.
To cater to the refined tastes of residents, most apartments at Live come with a private wine room. Designed as a natural extension of the living area, the integrated spaces offer a thoughtful alternative to traditional cellars. The wine rooms feature backlit walls of wine enclosed in double glazed glass, complete with temperature and humidity control.
The interiors seamlessly transition to expansive balconies that overlook the lush green canopies of Brighton, with views of Melbourne's city skyline. Set into the building form, these balconies offer a protected and private space, becoming an open-air extension of the living zone. Walls of glazing can be peeled back to dissolve the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, providing a welcoming space for dining, entertaining, and enjoying the sun, regardless of the season.
A central lift and staircase connect each home to the basement level, which includes secure parking for two cars, private lockable storage, and bicycle bays.