Architecturally designed masterpiece in Port Adelaide

A SPECTACULAR and truly unique property with two full homes on the same block has hit the market by way of expressions of interest in Port Adelaide at 94 St Vincent Street.

Drawn to the area by its rich history and industrial texture, the owners wanted to build a house that reflected these qualities.

In 2013, they purchased the 1900’s building that resembled not much more than a shopfront and was originally built as a photographic studio for A.E Bond, based on St Vincent Street in the bustling seaside hub of Port Adelaide.

"As you follow the Baltic flooring towards the rear of the building, you locate the original dark room, now encompassing the courtyard where the old wall remains," the vendor said.

"That's followed by the studio, where the photographer captured rites of passage and local history, birthdays, weddings, soldiers and sailors departing for war.

"It was here in the studio where some 1,500 glass negatives were discovered and are now housed at the maritime museum."

The new owner’s idea was to incorporate a studio and home on a narrow footprint drawing in light from all directions.

The result was Bond Studio (totally self-contained, within the original building) and the impressive Bond House (three bedrooms and four bathrooms over three levels), at the rear.

"Dealing with the heritage protection was eased by the generous support of the local Port Adelaide Council," the vendor said.

"This allowed the modest street aspect of the studio to stay - as the three-storey extension is behind St Vincent Street - bringing at its peak 360-degree views of the entire city.

"With the addition of Bond House, architect Martin Ridge has applied an aesthetic position restraining from the arbitrary and resisting stylistic ideas to amplify a sense of space, light and continuity of materials.

"Sympathetic to the industrial history of the area, materials here include exposed concrete, perforated Corten panels, exposed timbers and structure.

"This includes the first level stairs that are built out of 100+ year-old Baltic pine, rescued from a demolition site of early Port buildings.

"Leading from a private courtyard used as a connection between the two distinct buildings forms the tight entry stairs open to a structurally expressive translucent vertical living space reminiscent of the south lit industrial sheds of the port.

"There's a sense of delight found in the abundant quality and varying shades of light threading into the spaces through various sun control mechanisms.

"A subdued palette reflecting a robust industrial materiality interspersed with expressions of colour extends from the main living area to the roof-top terrace.

"This is where naturally weathered spotted gum decking hugs the matt clad exterior and raw concrete.

"From here a servery and roof top bathroom accompany the views of the Port river and Hart’s Mill, illuminated by abundant soft lighting for evening reflection.

"The incredible artwork on display embraces another layer of Port Adelaide’s history as home to a diverse range of artists prior to the area’s recent renewal.

"The exterior, three-storey work was created by Venice-based artist Peeta, as part of Wonderwalls Port Adelaide and The Big Picture Fest 2019.

"The interior mural found in the courtyard is by Adelaide based artist Joel van Moore (Vans the Omega)."

Ray White Port Adelaide Director Nick Psarros said he was enthralled by the property.

“I have a lot of fabulous properties, but this one is so different. You have history and you have a studio,” Mr Psarros said.

“You also have this amazing art and put simply, this property is just very exciting. It’s a blend of architecture and art.

"You can run your business from the front property and live in the brand-new home or lease out the front property and derive an income.

"There are so many choices and it’s in such a great location. You can Immerse yourself in the heart of Port Adelaide with everything at your fingertips.

"The Port is fast becoming a suburb of choice and now with the brand-new Port Adelaide Plaza in full swing with restaurants, cafes, Aldi and retail, the area is buzzing."