Mansard by Carr Architecture and Interior Design

Mansard, designed by Carr Architecture and Interior Design, is a striking development of private luxury terraces and apartments located on Toorak Road, Kooyong. A standout among Melbourne’s high-end residential offerings, the project takes inspiration from the traditional Mansard roof style, reimagined with a contemporary lens. Central to the architectural language is the use of the Tru-Brix Rail System, a versatile cladding solution that allowed Carr to achieve a seamless brick façade - refined, and highly functional.

Designed with privacy and tranquillity in mind, the structure is subtly set back from the street, offering a sense of retreat while still engaging with its urban context. This intentional positioning shields residents from traffic and noise, creating a peaceful oasis within the city.

Mansard’s most arresting feature is its continuous brick façade, where roof and wall merge in a single visual expression. Through the Tru-Brix system, the brickwork wraps the structure without visible interruption, eliminating tonal variation and shadow lines typically associated with traditional brick builds. Adding to the attractiveness of the Tru-Brix system, it is capable of encompassing various features of a structure, such as accent bands and window frames, while being compatible with different walling systems. 

“Central to the architectural language is the use of the Tru-Brix Rail System, a versatile cladding solution that allowed Carr to achieve a seamless brick façade - refined, and highly functional.”

Each residence includes a secluded outdoor space or private balcony, with carefully arranged planting to soften the boldness of the True-Brix exterior. The sense of serenity extends indoors, with reflection ponds featured in the shared foyer. These water features mirror natural light throughout the day, casting gentle movement and enhancing the mood of retreat.

Two separate entrances with lift access support ease of movement, while also aligning with the architectural intent of ensuring a calm flow for residents emphasising an uninterrupted living experience. Inside, the apartments are finished with a restrained palette of soft greys, natural timber flooring, and rich stone. Travertine, chosen to complement the Tru-Brix exterior, is used as both a central island in the kitchens and as an architectural anchor for built-in fireplaces.

Design flourishes like floating benches illuminated by LED lighting speak to the project’s commitment to detail. Clever integration of secret cabinetry, expansive mirrors, and floor to ceilings travertine in the bathrooms heightens the overall sense of precision. Bedroom carpets in muted tones create a gentle contrast with the warmth of the timber flooring throughout the living areas.

Mansard takes a bold yet elegant approach to a historically inspired roofline. Through the use of the Tru-Brix Rail System, Carr Architecture and Interior Design utilised the mechanical brick installation that not only enhances efficiency, but also reduces construction time. This system enabled Carr to fulfill their vision of having a facade without interruption where the roofline folds seamlessly into the building’s vertical sides, showcasing structural continuity.