Architecture studio Edwards Moore has converted a small Melbourne apartment into a Airbnb-style rental property, where guests are invited to buy the furniture, art and accessories when they leave. Melbourne-based Edwards Moore completely overhauled the interior of the apartment in Fitzroy for property company Microluxe, adding features including a marble-lined bathroom and a steel kitchen. As well as functioning as a short-term rental property, it acts as a showroom where almost everything is for sale. Because of this, the interior design will gradually evolve over time.
"Like a gallery, the space is transforming and evolving with new artworks and objects regularly introduced," architect Ben Edwards told Dezeen.
"All items are there for the experience and most are available to purchase after your stay, from the bed linen, wine and robes to the custom one – off furniture pieces."
The Microluxe apartment is located on the ground floor of a five-storey building. The architects had to completely gut the space. They removed all internal walls and doors – transforming it into an open-plan space. They used materials including marble, stone, concrete and steel to define different areas.
"We wanted to create an animated and engaging space that questions the idea of luxury and challenges what can be achieved within a small space," said Edwards. "We combined materiality and beautiful objects without hiding the existing rawness of the building."
A marble-lined podium towards the back of the living space houses a large bath, while a gold mirrored box towards the front of the apartment contains a fold-down bed. Opposite the sleeping area, a purpose-made kitchen bench is made from steel. It compliments an external steel pivot door leading out to a small courtyard garden. The existing bathroom was reconfigured to become a toilet, and features a cylinder-shaped freestanding basin and exposed pipework. Edwards Moore was founded in 2009 by Ben Edwards and Juliet Moore. The studio's past projects include a brick house with a translucent roof, a glowing art studio, and a house that narrows down to less than four metres at its centre.
