Harry Patras’ Eden Templestowe perfectly combines all the features one seeks in modern architectural design.

A place where time stands still and the hustle and bustle of today’s modern world is only but a murmur

“That was the idea from the start, to create a spacious, modern, and sophisticated little paradise people can call home,” he explains to Neos Kosmos. “Their very own Garden of Eden in the city of Melbourne.”

“Our development offers stunning residences which combine tranquility and modern design with spacious sophistication, within proximity.”

While located in the leafy suburb of Templestowe with park-and-ride facilities only a short walk away, it endorses the relaxed urban edge lifestyle. City access is made easy with public transport right outside the door or with a short drive on the Eastern Freeway.

“How this project came about?” asks Harry, “Having lived in the area for years, I realised the problem is lack of options.”
“I have been day-in-day-out working in apartments for the last 10 or more years. Apartments are getting worse and worse in terms of apartment goodlife: they’re becoming little boxes and the quality of life is not the same anymore.”

This is what inspired Harry to create Eden Templestowe, “a testament to modern architectural design”, as he calls it.

“As you come in, most other projects you enter you go straight into your apartment and apart from the balcony there’s only so much you can do. Unless you live in a big high-rise type of thing which to me is like glorified commission flats. Normally the smaller ones don’t have the facilities that we have,” he says.

Featuring linear exterior forms juxtaposed against natural hardwoods, organic screens, and sculptural gardens, the building blends harmoniously into the environment. The top level comprises of an expansive rooftop garden space with communal BBQ, dining, and lounge facilities allowing residents to take in the spectacular views. Other key features include a members’ only gym and self-service café, and communal seating in the grand foyer.

“Eden’s luxurious interior spaces are designed to inspire and allow residents a canvas to personalise these highly flexible spaces,” Harry stresses noting that even though they could allocate 50 apartments to Eden they have 40, “a little sacrifice in order to increase the quality of life.”

“There is that ability to have a better quality of life that you don’t get too often, whatever we try to do we try to give it a bit of an edge. You can have isolation if you like or communal options.”

The boutique residences of Eden Templestowe present expansive open plan interiors that maximise natural light while generous private terraces recessed into the contemporary façade bring the outside in. Oak floorboards give way to wall-to-wall carpets and glazed floor-to-ceiling windows. Even the kitchen and bathroom areas are flooded with natural light.

“What we try to do is provide people with something that is good enough for me to live in, or my family to live in, my kids: very spacious, luxurious, open plan obviously and a bit more upmarket to suit the demographic. Here, nature is therefore the key focus, luxury contemporary resort-style living are the key fundamentals we built the brand on.”

The natural reserves and gardens surrounding Templestowe encouraged the team of designers to promote a healthy lifestyle taking advantage of the views, the myriad of winding trails and walkways. At the same time, the development is conveniently located near several café and dining options. Westfield Doncaster and the Aquatic Centre are also minutes away.

“Most of the people in that area are used to open space quality of living and there is no development out there, in Templestowe in particular, at the moment that has the ability to provide that,” Harry continues.

“When we submitted the plan to the council we had architects and designers all for a nature-based kind of life, so we designed Eden around that. The target market that we’re focusing on is obviously the locals or people who want to come in the area either because they work nearby or because they simply appreciate what it has to offer.”

Meanwhile, Harry and his team already have a number of other Melbourne developments on the books for the near future. Richmond, Fitzroy, and South Yarra are at the top of the list.

As he explained to Neos Kosmos, the group’s aim is to be renowned as a quality developer that produces a high-end product to suit the demographic of each area.

“Providing the best option that appeals to a certain demographic is very important to us, it makes so much difference. As a result of my 30 years in the property investment world, I feel we can continue with this type of boutique development in the future,” he enthuses.

“Another important thing about our identity is that we’re bringing the Greek factor into it!”

Indeed Harry, who has been involved in the Greek community to a large degree since 17 years of age, is devoted to supporting young Greek creatives.

Proud of his heritage, he has been involved in HACCI almost from the outfit, was one of the instigators of the Hellenic Initiative and also advises the Greek community on strategies of fundraising.

“We try and we do bring as much influence and support within the Greek sector as we possibly can and most of the people I’ve tried to collaborate with have a Greek background,” he says.

“If I have a choice between Greek and someone else, if the Greek will be able to supply what we need effectively, the edge of supporting a Greek will come first for me.”

As a result of that, all the 3D animations of the Eden Templestowe project – the most complicated part of the development – were produced in Greece.
When Harry was building in Rhodes, Greece, he came across and worked with some local mechanics and designers. The quality of their work and their creativity captivated him.

“There’s a tremendous amount of talent within Greece in terms of creativity and ability alike,” he emphasises explaining that Greeks in Greece have built an extremely good reputation in digital and design work.

“We thought that instead of supporting a company here that outsources to China – and by no means am I putting countries down here – to help Greece out a bit. We know they’re talented, that they will deliver, they will look after us. It’s becoming our own particular model. By supporting Greece we’re supporting ourselves. It’s a win-win scenario.”

For further information head to www.edenresidences.com.au