Melbourne’s Eureka Tower offers a view few experience: watching helicopters land on the Yarra River from 250 meters above the city. Travis Walton, an architect and interior designer, recently renovated a quarter of the 76th floor apartment, transforming it into a space that feels like a luxury hotel room. “It’s surreal,” he says, describing the perspective of the Australian Open’s arrivals. The project was undertaken with the specific aim of making the apartment feel like a private residence within a hotel, a concept that aligns with his background in hospitality design. This approach was particularly suited to the owners’ desire to inhabit a space that evokes the feeling of being on holiday, even within their city. “We treated the apartment as if it were a private residence in a hotel,” he explains, emphasizing the theatricality of the design choices, which enhance the sense of arrival and grandeur typical of high-end accommodations.
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The project began as a challenge: updating a 25-year-old apartment that had grown outdated. He stripped the unit back to its core, reimagining the layout. A bold move, it involved removing walls and rethinking how light and space interacted. This approach allowed for a more open feel, blending functionality with modern design principles. The original internal architecture was very well built, but, adds Travis, “fast forward 25 years and it had started to feel tired.” The transformation required a complete overhaul, including the removal of an internal wall to the third bedroom, which was replaced with Glas Italia sliding doors. This change not only enhanced the sense of openness but also created a dynamic interplay between the interior and the cityscape beyond the windows. The design prioritized natural light, with strategic modifications ensuring that illumination flows into every corner of the apartment, a factor that significantly raises the living experience.
He notes, highlighting the view from the apartment. The client’s lifestyle was central to the plan, ensuring the space met both aesthetic and practical needs. The transformation wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about creating a place that felt alive and adaptable. This balance of form and function is a hallmark of his work. The apartment’s layout was rethought with an eye toward maximizing the panoramic views, which extend far beyond the immediate surroundings. The shower, for instance, was daringly relocated to the window where it commands a spectacular view. “It’s a moment in the apartment that feels quite special,” says Travis, showing how the design integrates the building’s unique vantage point into daily life. This choice reflects a deliberate effort to make the space feel connected to the city’s rhythms and energy, rather than isolated from them.
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He says, “The views are so broad.” The design maximizes natural light, with large windows framing the cityscape. “It’s timeless; it’s going to stand the test of time.” This emphasis on enduring quality ensures the space remains relevant and functional for years to come, even as design trends evolve.
His work emphasizes timelessness. The apartment now serves as a living example of how thoughtful design can raise a space. It’s a project that honors the tower’s legacy while redefining its potential for modern living. This balance of respect for history and innovation is a recurring theme in his portfolio. The clients absolutely love it, says Travis, of the owners’ response to their renewed pad, adding: “They’ve gained so much more functionality from the apartment while still preserving the character of the building.” He feels honoured to have been given the opportunity to rethink part of this iconic tower, celebrating its architecture and angular form through a contemporary lens. The apartment’s transformation is a sign to the power of design to reconcile the past with the present, creating a space that is both a tribute to the Eureka Tower’s heritage and a reflection of modern living standards.
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traviswalton.com.au offers more on his portfolio, showcasing a range of projects that highlight his signature style and approach to design.
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