The Block: Triple Threat 2015

Another series of The Block AUS 2015 has started up and this year, a whole new threat has arisen. 

Currently trading it's individual character and sleepy posture for a new fashion statement in building design, is the suburb of South Yarra in Melbourne, Victoria.
Plain concrete or basic grey plaster rendered buildings teamed with trimmings and detailing of 'manor black' have become the 'new black', although it's not quite Nero!

Four kilometres south-east of Melburne's CBD centred on Collins Street, Chapel Street and Toorak Road, South Yarra has been the place for trendy shopping, fabulous eateries and prestigious residential addresses for years.

All of that is changing rapidly.

The Block reality DIY renovating TV show, which started Tuesday 27th January, 2015 on Channel Nine, moved into the neighbourhood over the last year. No doubt loyal fans will be glued to their sets, learning how to do it for themselves when the timing is right.

So look away if you don't want a few spoilers...

The Block - Triple Threat will gradually reveal how contestants (plus tradies) transformed a tired 'block' of symmetrically disposed modern cream brick and stained timber detailed apartments into four three-storey asymmetrically disposed hard-edged stylish townhouses.

Just like other architects all over the neighbourhood at the moment, the designers at The Block have embraced the characteristics of asymmetry, at least on the façade.

Distinctly unsettling for some, it usually represents disorder - rather than 'symmetry', which reflects order, logic, calm, harmony and ease of living.

The apartments in their conversion to houses in town have been concrete rendered, had black box-frame windows inserted with black vertical louvered screens added on select windows.

There is a small garden out the front and up the side it's easy to see a wall of plants happening.

Now building The Block is just about at an end with the 'instant garden' in place, the generally friendly residents of the normally quiet, fairly unassuming Darling Street, South Yarra are no doubt glad to see the departure of tradies, trucks, heavy equipment plus drone and camera crews that have encroached on their lives.

Now building The Block is just about at an end with the 'instant garden' in place, the generally friendly residents of the normally quiet, fairly unassuming Daring Street, South Yarra are no doubt glad to see the departure of tradies.

Remember to Click Before You Pick next time. Bye :) xoxo