More than design: Why these Kew residences work long term

If you have ties to Melbourne’s inner east, chances are Kew holds a special place—whether it’s family nearby, the leafy streets, or the easy city connection.

For many, the goal is to stay close to this community while finding a residence that offers modern comfort and ease.

Increasingly, people are choosing homes that better suit how they want to live today—spaces that balance low-maintenance living with room to breathe, without leaving suburbs they love.

The priority isn’t giving up space—it’s gaining comfort.

And for many, that means finding a smarter home in Kew itself, so they can stay close to family and community.

In Melbourne’s inner east, Piccolo House – 18 Barry St, Kew is a new development turning heads, and it’s situated in one of Melbourne’s most sought-after locations.

Form meets feeling: how design shapes the everyday

Elegant, sophisticated, and carefully planned, Piccolo House, perfectly matches the move to a more streamlined and manageable lifestyle. 

The latest in a long-standing collaboration between Piccolo, Woods Bagot, Hecker Guthrie, and Acre, it gives a nod to Kew’s architectural heritage, but it has also been designed with modern functionality.  

The development explores spatial design with 60 residences sprinkled across five boutique buildings, allowing room to create privacy—unlike in larger developments. 

“There are five pavilions at 18 Barry Street, and each contains only a small number of residences,” explains Michael Piccolo, Managing Director of Piccolo House.

“That completely changes the feel of the place. You’re only sharing your lift and entrance with a few neighbours, which creates a much more personal atmosphere.  

“You can get to know the people around you if you choose to, but you still have privacy.

“We’ve found that this kind of scale helps people feel more at ease.”

Living lighter, living better 

According to Mr Piccolo, a unique element of these is that they’re deliberately planned for those who value simplicity, but don’t want to lose the sense of space and comfort they’re used to.

“We’ve learnt over time that it’s the small things that shape daily life—the parts you might not notice at first, but you feel them once you’re living there,” he says. 

“Comfort starts with the fundamentals. 

“Most residences have either a dual aspect or sit on a corner, so you’ve got natural light and ventilation throughout.  

“We committed to three-metre ceilings across all residences. That height brings a sense of openness and generosity.

“It’s not just about what a room looks like, but how it feels when you walk through it.” 

He adds that the use of restraint, not excess, creates residences that age gracefully, feel luxurious, but work for everyday life—plus they’re less maintenance. 

He says buyers will also notice additions like full-sized laundries, good storage, wide hallways, and versatile dens. 

This commitment to convenience and low maintenance means that Piccolo House – 18 Barry Street, Kew will allow residents to feel home for the long term – in a place that works now and adapts for the future..

Everyday lifestyle at the forefront 

While amenities are ad hoc or excessive at a lot of new developments, the features at Piccolo House have been carefully planned for regular use rather than indulgence. 

“A lot of so-called luxury amenities look impressive, but they’re not really designed for daily life,” Mr Piccolo shares. 

“At Barry Street, we’ve taken a different approach.” 

Residents can indulge in an indoor thermal pool that can be used all year round, a cold plunge, a sauna, a fully equipped gym, and a dedicated yoga room. 

There is a guest suite and concierge, designed to meet real needs—hosting family, staying connected, and keeping routines intact. 

The wellness centre is at ground level and has a real connection to the garden.  

“The dining and lounge spaces are generous but feel like home,” says Mr Piccolo. 

“Even the concierge plays a role in helping people feel settled. It’s not about show—it’s about function and comfort.” 

The development also prioritises a connection with nature with lush landscaping. 

“We’ve created a layered landscape that runs through the heart of the site,” Piccolo highlights.  

“There’s a softness to it. Mature trees have been kept, and planting will feel natural but structured. When you’re looking out from your residence, or walking through the grounds, you’ll be immersed in greenery.” 

Interested in exploring what Piccolo House – 18 Barry St, Kew can mean for you? Fill out the contact form or visit the website.

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