Kent Court
,
Toorak
A collaboration between Jack Merlo and Emma Tulloch, formerly of NTF Architecture, Kent Court is a testament to skilful design in a compact urban setting.

Kent Court
,
Toorak
,
2016
Occupying just 488sqm, the home integrates beautifully with its garden, prioritising aesthetics and privacy. The striking façade, clad in limestone tundra and softened by upright hornbeam trees, is a dramatic visual element and a protective barrier against the west-facing street.
Bay trees frame the property against palisade fencing, providing a lush screen while visually coaxing nature into the living space. The architectural elements centre around a private courtyard and pool with a north-easterly aspect, the intentional positioning of the built environment close to the street maximising outdoor space to emphasise its equilibrium within the overall envelop. Large, full-height sliding doors blur the lines between the interior and exterior, further nurturing a dialogue with the garden and courtyard.
Kent Court’s outdoor area includes a beautifully designed pool that extends nearly to the home’s glass walls, shaping cohesion and visual fluidity. Tundra limestone continues from internal walls to external paving, while a cantilevered daybed floats above the shallow water, creating a tranquil retreat.
The home’s landscaping features weeping Japanese Maples, Magnolias with large leaves and white flowers, and fragrant Gardenias. Ivy spills from planters against dark-stained timber batten fencing, establishing a verdant backdrop. This deliberate planting scheme enhances the top floor and serves as an anti-erosion feature, creating a private sanctuary that exemplifies modern living and celebrates natural beauty.