A conversation with Studio Brent Lee on boutique development, Hampton Ltd
Apartments & Developments
11 March, 2024
Collaboration is key to any successful project. Property developers have long recognised this, collaborating with architecture and interior design studios to curate masterfully designed residential developments.
The result of these beautiful homes? The attention of discerning buyers. But what is it that makes them stay?
Brisbane-based property developer Spyre, having delivered over $750 million worth of luxury developments, emphasises the importance of enduring quality across its projects. It is one of the developer’s key principles, seeking to elevate the standard of luxury living in Australia.
The team brings this standard to their Victorian debut, Hampton Ltd, located in the heart of Melbourne’s Bayside. The boutique residential development was designed by a carefully curated design team of hand-picked specialists who share the developer’s standard of excellence. One of them is internationally renowned Studio Brent Lee.
Studio Brent Lee, an outstanding talent utilised by some of Australia's and California's most discerning, high-end homeowners, has designed Hampton Ltd’s exquisite two- and three-bedroom apartments and townhomes.
“Working closely with Spyre’s own internal design team, the collaboration forged an offering for Melbourne’s bayside that we believe truly elevates the standard of apartment living for the area,” said Studio Brent Lee to AD.
“Hampton Ltd isn’t about ‘regular’ design — it’s about pursuing something remarkable.
“Inherent in the way Spyre develop properties, a range of overarching principles and responsibilities have guided the project team.
“It’s an extraordinary dedication of time and energy to design fundamentals which not only facilitates excellence across every facet, but also unlocks potential that wouldn’t typically be discovered.
“The principles provide a framework for designers to make clever decisions that result in superior functionality, improved spatial design and efficiency, as well as the ability to create more sustainable homes.”
Designed as personal sanctuaries, each of Hampton Ltd’s 23 properties is refined. Studio Brent Lee drew influence from the project’s natural bayside setting with references inspired by natural sand formations and a coastal aesthetic colour palette.
Functional as it is beautiful, the development moves away from the common idea of maximising density. In contrast, Spyre created a series of standalone buildings interspersed with landscaped greenery.
“Each building, and each residence, contributes to diversity of choice and promotes the idea of ‘personal sanctuary’,” explained Brent Lee.
“This ultimately leads to a limited collection of individual homes, which are consolidated into three low-rise buildings that integrate seamlessly into the streetscape and broader neighbourhood.”
Inside, strong design foundations prioritise each home's most loved and used spaces.
“Kitchens? They’re the heart of the home. Master bedrooms? They deserve to be separate and special,” Brent Lee said.
“When these spaces are successful, the rest follow suit.
“It’s an approach that prioritises the ‘hero’ spaces that make a big impression and make a home really feel like a home.
“Where possible, these light-filled living spaces are orientated towards outlooks and terraces.
“A complimentary lighting design avoids the sweeping use of ceiling downlights commonly seen in apartment living.
“Instead, focused lighting effectively accents cabinetry and specific zones, creating subtle moods and atmosphere.”
Overall, Brent’s objective was to design a collection of elegantly crafted spaces and to instil lasting elegance within. From the expansive use of stone to engineered oak timber floors, each home is curated to impress.
“The open-plan living flows around the entertainer’s kitchen.
“A sculptural island bench, crafted from Vanilish Pearl marble, stands as a statement piece, drawing people in.
“The oversized backbench, deliberately free of cupboards, creates a refined, uncluttered aesthetic.
“Concealed handles to timber texture joinery maintain a clean, minimalistic appeal, complemented by Gaggenau appliances and dark metal tapware.
“The laundry space extends from the butler’s pantry adding functionality, complete with a heat pump dryer.
“Powder rooms are so good, they’re deliberately on show — nothing to hide here.
“Custom vanities are a show-stopper, akin to ‘stone sculptures’ formed from Onyx marble and add a genuine wow-factor as you walk down the hallway.”
Every design detail of Hampton Ltd has truly been considered and elevated by Studio Brent Lee.
Hampton Ltd represents a pivotal moment in Brent Lee’s career, where he harnesses the beauty of natural materials to create elegantly crafted spaces. These residences are a testament to Brent’s meticulous attention to detail, designed to evolve and unveil their carefully crafted materiality over time, offering enduring elegance.
Demolition has commenced on site, with two and three-bedroom apartments and townhomes still available. Two-bed residences are priced from $1,290,000.
For more information or to enquire about Hampton Ltd, click here.
