Dorian Kew reimagines heritage architecture for modern living

Opportunities to build in Melbourne’s long-established inner suburbs are increasingly rare. In Kew—one of the city’s earliest residential precincts—that scarcity is even more pronounced.

Dorian, a new residential development by Ricdanic Investments, is notable for precisely this reason. Located within a quiet, tree-lined pocket of the suburb, and bordering established greenery near the river, Dorian offers a rare blend of natural amenity and carefully considered residential design.

Architect Chris Idle, who has been practising for over two decades, says projects like this don’t come along often.

“There are very few opportunities to do these kinds of developments in leafy, established suburbs,” he explains. “To get this level of amenity, natural light, and architectural freedom in such a setting is extremely rare.”

The architecture draws on the language of Kew’s grand homes, reinterpreting their scale and character into a refined, boutique form. Idle describes the material palette—brass detailing, natural stone, and timber flooring—as an exercise in restraint and longevity.

“We wanted it to feel timeless,” he says.

This timeless ethos extends beyond the built form. The development is nestled among mature canopy trees and long-established green spaces—an environment that informed every aspect of the design.

Leading the landscape architecture is John Patrick, a respected figure with nearly 50 years in Australian landscape design. From the outset, preservation and enhancement of the natural environment were central themes.

“When you’re working in a setting like this, with pre-existing mature trees, you work very hard to look after them,” Idle says.

The gardens have been designed with flexibility in mind, offering space for quiet reflection, family gatherings, or entertaining—with a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor zones.

“These are flexible gardens,” Idle adds. “Not designed with a single purpose in mind—a perfect place for grandchildren to play, for entertaining friends, or simply to sit and enjoy the calm and greenery.”

While Kew has seen infill development over the years, it remains one of Melbourne’s most desirable and consistent residential areas. With its riverside location, established infrastructure, and mature landscape, it offers a setting that can’t easily be replicated in newer growth corridors.

Julian Millman from Gary Peer Projects is managing sales for Dorian Kew.