Roam the leafy streets of Toorak’s wide boulevards and leafy courts and you’re sure to pass by a Royale Construction home. Solidly grounded in timeless architectural styles, including Georgian and French Provincial, they’re marvels inside and out of artisanal craftsmanship and a dedication to enduring quality designed to outlast generations.
Peter Johnston founded Royale Construction over 40 years ago, just as a renewed interest in lasting, heritage architecture was emerging. Leaving an indelible mark on the built environment is a legacy few have the luxury to indulge.
Tanya Johnston of Royale Construction explains that many of the trades and craftspeople who work with the company have a history dating back 20 years and even longer with specialist capabilities. “It means we have limited capacity to take on multiple projects at the same time so we can personalise the experience and keep control over the quality.”
Most clients approach with land they’ve purchased. “We work as a one-stop shop from initial schematic designs all the way through to handing over of the keys at completion. Clients are putting their trust in us so they don’t have to worry about a thing”
Visualising the outcome
The partnership Urban Angles has with Royale Construction goes all the way back to the beginning of the century with images we’ve taken now part of Melbourne’s historical record of grand homes and the lifestyles of their inhabitants.
“Every home is unique,” explains John Wheatley, who has shot Royale homes for over 10 years. “The detailed finishes from limestone frontages to these cavernous rooms with handmade cabinetry are just spectacular.”
There’s an emphasis on using local manufacturers and Australian produced materials although imported timber, stone, ceramics and cabinetry also feature. Each custom-appointed home is individually designed to meet the needs of their owners with speculative homes showcasing the newest and most innovative features sourced during world travels by the Royale Construction teams. Butler’s pantries, internal lifts, home theatres, cellar rooms, dressing rooms – they’re features designed to meet the specific needs of the owner and finished in materials that are simply breathtaking.
We asked John to pick a couple of favourite shots from the many incredible images we have over the years and tell us a little about each shot.
The Bar
“I love the colours in this room and the way the lighting keeps it warm and sophisticated with so much textured timber. There’s this sense of accessible majesty.”
The Home Theatre
“The recessed lighting in this room gives it a Hollywood feel. It’s just the total package – I’d call it more a private screening room like you see in the movies.”
The Cellar
Between the floor and the ceiling, you’ve got a room here that wouldn’t be out of place in a Provence winery. It’s got an old-world feel with serious contemporary glamour.”
The Outdoor Room
“When you can entertain any time of the year outside, why wouldn’t you include an Italian-style logia and a full kitchen? Add to that and East meets West garden and you’ve got outdoor living that works for that time of day almost every day in Melbourne when the sun comes out.”
For more images on Melbourne’s luxury home heritage of the past 40 years, head over to Royale Construction. Or contact us for how we can help you celebrate the mark you’re making on the city’s built environment.
