Project Gillies: Where Distinct Design Shapes Dual Living

Experience urban living through a calm, coastal lens at Project Gillies, Little Fish Property’s latest duplex development in Fairfield, Melbourne.

Two dwellings with two distinct ambiences; each design is intentionally contrasted to the other, one grounded in a warm, textural palette, the other defined by cool, contemporary restraint.  

Head of Projects at Little Fish Property, Claire Kelly, discusses the design and build of the dual occupancy and the contrast between 88A and 88B. “Internally, we wanted to give each dwelling its own personality by creating a cool and warm house — this is reflected in the material and tapware selections.” 

The first dwelling, 88A, explores dimension and depth through a cool white façade, with a dark palette continuing indoors, featuring bold Fantasy Green marble, Tundra Grey pavers, and antique slate tapware: a new finish from our Antique Collection — coming soon.

Dwelling two embraces light and layering, with thoughtfully selected elements that evoke natural warmth and texture. From Papillon stone and silver travertine to warm timber flooring and brushed nickel tapware, each detail contributes to a space that feels both inviting and refined.

Claire shares that the inspiration for the design came from a coastal holiday on the Mornington Peninsula, “Bringing an element of retreat to the homes was important, giving the homeowner a space that felt like a vacation all year round.”

From the front façade, it’s clear Project Gillies is rich in detail and design-led decisions. The composition of the front window shape and cladding alludes to the different characters within, with 88A adopting a sleek modern white facade and 88B using linear timber cladding and a curved window design. “The exterior colourway was to be light and bright, to ensure the sheer size of the development didn’t take over,” says Claire.

Defined by its tranquil atmosphere, Fairfield sits along the northern banks of the Yarra River, with the Yarra River Parklands stretching alongside it. “The suburb caters to all age groups and demographics, making it a prime location for a side-by-side development,” shares Claire.

Thoughtful spatial planning allows both dwellings to feel open and light-filled, seamlessly incorporating four bedrooms, two living spaces, and an outdoor area within a narrow footprint. 

Claire explains the key challenges faced during the planning stage: “We really wanted to maximise the site and get the most out of the design and spaces for both dwellings, so it was important to push boundaries and challenge certain aspects at this stage.”

Throughout each dwelling, elements are echoed to create a yin-yang relationship between the two homes. Both deliver distinctive details and thoughtfully selected interior styles to appeal to different buyers.

In the bathrooms, antique slate and brushed nickel sit against natural stone features, anchoring the design with understated luxury. Mosaic tiles, white sconce lights, and curved mirrors soften both spaces while adding a hint of Art Deco ambience.

Claire shares that her favourite stage of a project is when the finishes are installed. “I love the joinery and stone install stage. This is where you finally see your selections fill the spaces, and you get a real sense of how you would live in the space.”

Reflecting on what makes Project Gillies so special, Claire shares that its considered blend of layout, location, and style positions the property uniquely within the market. “To be able to achieve a four-bedroom home, with two living areas and outdoor areas that break up the long design of the home, in such a beautiful street, all within walking distance to schools, shops, and transport, is quite unique.”

When selecting finishes for each dwelling, Claire highlights the distinction between antique slate and brushed nickel, noting that one represents a more daring design choice than a buyer’s usual preference.  “The brushed nickel is a crowd pleaser and is popular amongst the majority of buyers. In this instance, it complemented the warmer tones of 88B.”

To align with the deep texture and daring nature of 88A, the team selected antique slate, one of four new finishes from ABI’s forthcoming Antique Collection. “The antique slate was a late addition to the design process. It proved a perfect pairing for the cooler-schemed dwelling, and really complemented the finishes already selected.”

Using ABI products aligned naturally with the ethos of Project Gillies, with functionality and refined design prioritised from the outset. “The modern, contemporary and functional style of the dwellings was always the intention; however, how this translated through external materials and colours, as well as the internal schemes and finishes, evolved throughout the process.”

With this project, the team at Little Fish Property demonstrates a deep understanding of user-centred design and the significant role fixtures and tapware play in a home through their functionality, shape, and finish. “The tapware is an obvious touch point in any home. When buyers walk through an open home for an inspection, they almost always touch the kitchen or bathroom taps. The antique slate finish was an obvious choice for this reason, as it’s a finish you look at and want to touch.”

Achieving luxury in a duplex design comes down to the details, from the layout of rooms to the placement of doors and windows. 

Claire shares how this thoughtful design process influenced the sense of privacy and retreat experienced in both dwellings. “I love the internal courtyards that separate the front of the dwellings from the rear living space, and at the same time connect the main living zone to the outside. It provides a sense of indoor-outdoor living, which is really important to achieve when doing a side-by-side development, as typically the only outdoor space is at the rear.”

A masterclass in contrast, Project Gillies demonstrates how considered design and material choice can shape distinct yet harmonious living environments. Whether drawn to warm, textural tones or cool, contemporary interior design, each dwelling offers its own expression of modern living. 

Want to see more of our Antique Slate finish? Stay tuned to our socials for the release of our new Antique Collection — coming soon.

Inspired by this project? Find more inspiration in these blogs:

Casa Franc: Where Organic Modernism Meets Modern Ease 

Novus: Luxury Family Living Amongst Raw Elegance 

Amaia: Sun-Drenched Living with the Spirit of Spanish Architecture