Italianate mansion defined by Uni-Shape Mouldings and Columns.

Near completion this private residence harks back to the heyday of ‘Marvellous Melbourne’ circa 1880. The High Victorian era of architecture, in particular the Italianate style was famous for its eclecticism and flamboyance.

Victorian Italianate architecture drew its inspiration from history, nature, geometry and the designers of the time own personal inspiration. It’s also what inspired the developer of this residence when conceiving his own dream home. Once plans were complete the team at Unitex were charged with turning the owner’s vision into a reality.

Presented with some reference photographs Jesse Xu, head of moulding design and production at Unitex, set about recreating each component of the highly elaborate façade.

The building’s design features Uni-Shape® Corinthian-style columns with intricate caulcole details and well-proportioned balusters to the upper storey balcony. A large scotia moulding runs through the elevation between the upper and lower storey. Arched mouldings on the verandah and bay windows in a repeat pattern reinforce the building’s geometry. Custom-made keystones with bas-relief motifs and corner mouldings under the eaves, alternating with a typical Victorian flower motif moulding, complete the design of the façade.

On-site the Unitex technical team led by Fernando Azevedo worked with the owner/developer, trialling different moulding solutions until the look was just right. The Italianate style proved immensely popular in Australia at the end of the 18th century. Beautifully demonstrated in this project, this popular style of architecture lives on.