Malted tones weave through textured brickwork. Smooth rounded stone benchtops glow beneath warm, low-hanging pendants. Tall windows cascade light into living areas, while bold arched doorways welcome residents’ home.
These are the defining features of Founder’s Row, a collection of 17 architecturally designed townhouses rising from the grounds of the former West End Brewery site, now Southwark Grounds, a Renewal SA community.
Artist impressions released today offer a glimpse 12 months ahead, homes complete, residents settled, foliage growing.
They stand beside century-old structures, all showcasing what’s to come in Adelaide’s next great neighbourhood.
Andrew Steele, Managing Director and Project Director at Studio Nine Architects, worked with his team to create a design that reflects the site’s layered history, drawing on architectural elements from contextual references.
Artist impression - Founder's Row townhouses currently under construction
The Walkerville Brew Tower, a historic landmark dating back to 1886 with its tall red brick façade and gently arched windows, still standing proud in the heart of the future precinct, informed the design language.
“The brew tower has been a foundational element in the narrative of Founder’s Row,” Mr Steele says.
Its influence led the team to think beyond conventional townhouse features, introducing details that complement the surrounding area and create individuality that is unique and timeless.
Artist impression - Walkerville Brew Tower
Breaking from convention was part of the vision in setting the benchmark for what will become uniquely Southwark Grounds.
“We wouldn’t ordinarily reference arches like this,” Mr Steele says, referring to the entry features on some of the homes.
“The scale of the brickwork, the way it will be laid, it’s not something we’d typically do either. But in this context, it fits.”
Mr Steele says these choices give Founders Row its distinctive character.
“Paired with curated landscaping, which is both at street level and integrated into the façades, this contributes to distinct sense of place and resident wellbeing.”
Andrew Steele - Studio Nine Architects
With two decades of global experience designing mixed-use communities, Mr Steele says his studios approach is another example of how enduring architecture can respond to and enhance its surroundings and support long-term liveability.
The studio’s vision is being realised by boutique Adelaide builder Blag Homes, led by Joe Blagojevic, whose growing portfolio includes bespoke residences and historic restorations.
From one-bedroom townhouses to spacious three-storey homes, Founder’s Row offers four distinct floorplans designed for everyone from young singles to growing families to downsizers.
The most prestigious of the collection is The Eldridge, named after the brickyard that once occupied Holland Street at the turn of the 20th century.
These lofty brick homes feature textured bronze archways towering three metres from the doorstep, opening into a light-filled home with a ground-floor open-plan kitchen, living and dining area overlooking a manicured courtyard.
Upstairs, the master suite includes a walk-in robe, ensuite and Juliette balcony, with two additional bedrooms and a second living area.
Mr Steele says his design team is especially pleased with how the home’s present in the broader streetscape, with expansive windows which span both levels, integrated with thoughtful landscaping to create a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors.
Artist impression - Living area - The Eldridge
Seven of this main design are being constructed, but only two will rise to three levels.
Bookending the streetscape, they feature 34-square-metre rooftop terraces with built-in outdoor kitchens and a covered entertaining space, offering 360-degree views across Adelaide’s northwestern corner.
Mr Steele attributes the individuality of these homes to the cohesive approach taken by his team, with architecture working in harmony with both interior and landscape design, guided by the Southwark Grounds Urban Design Guidelines.
Melinda De Cianni, Associate and Senior Interior Designer, who has 15 years of experience delivering a diverse range of design projects, says this approach will help residents appreciate the industrial history that once surrounded their new homes.
She says Southwark’s history is being reimagined using warm shades of amber and malt, carefully positioned across surfaces, feature walls, floor coverings and joinery.
Melinda De Cianni - Studio Nine Architects
“One particular feature would be the kitchen peninsula bench and its form,” she says, reflecting on her favourite elements.
“The aim was to create a social hub between the living and kitchen spaces that encourages people to come together.
“The form of the kitchen bench reflects the arched windows in the existing brew tower on site. It creates cohesion between the surrounding area, the exteriors of the home and the interiors.”
These homes will come turnkey ready, with luxury features included.
Artist impression - peninsula bench upgrade
Tall 2.7-metre ceilings and brushed nickel tapware atop stone benchtops are among the key finishes in the bathrooms. These elements flow through to the kitchen, which is fitted with premium appliances.
Optional enhancements are available. One recommendation from Ms De Cianni, a bold terrazzo peninsula bench, a striking centrepiece that flaunts the home’s spirited harmony.
Founder’s Row is being delivered by Renewal SA, setting a high standard of function, architecture and liveability to define the future of Southwark Grounds.
