35 Dow Street
South Melbourne

Concealed behind a cascading veil of ornamental grape vines, Dreamcatcher House by FRED Architecture delivers a rare calibre of urban living situated on the edge of Clarendon Street and the lake precinct. Rising over three substantial levels, it channels a raw, organic aesthetic through natural timber, terrazzo and marble, offering a profoundly resolved response to its surroundings.

From the moment you enter through the brass and copper front door, the home offers unexpected visual riches and brilliant flexibility. At ground level, a one-bedroom plus home office self-contained space, with separate garden access, introduces the layout, complete with a fully appointed kitchen, open-plan living/dining zone and a storage-rich bedroom. Ideal for visiting guests, short stays or extended family, it allows for either privacy or connection to the remainder of the residence, as required, ideal for growing needs.

A dramatic staircase rises from the entry, into a timber-lined void, drawing light from multiple directions, to heighten the drama of arrival. Above, three bedrooms continue the unbroken link between spaces, each bedroom enhanced by custom joinery, including a striking main with an ensuite. Basket-weave tiles, a deep tub and a sky-lit lightwell, enrich the central bathroom adjacent to a storage-rich galley-style laundry.

Above it all, the entire top floor offers expansive, light-filled living and dining areas, which are breath-taking in scale. Here, Northern light exposure interacts with full-height glass, to create shifting patterns of shadow that play across limed timber walls and expressed ceilings. The living area flows onto a floating deck, with city views beyond, that reaches to a vine-covered canopy, affording verdant shade in summer, amber artworks in autumn, and the warmth of the sun throughout winter.

Materials speak to enduring quality and sustainable, passive design. Western Red Cedar frames, Fibonacci terrazzo, and the dramatic copper and brass front door add richness and depth to the lived experience. A sleek kitchen with premium appliances and extensive storage supports the needs of modern life, matched by double glazing, solar panels (3.5kW), hydronic heating, split system air-conditioning, and secure off-street parking for one. Within walking distance of MSAC, Albert Park Lake, Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne’s leading schools, and the Arts Precinct, Dreamcatcher House reflects a level of ambition few city homes achieve.