Contents
WINTER 2025
Welcome to our Winter edition of In Focus magazine. Discover a curated selection of style and design inspiration from industry-leading experts and explore a handpicked collection of beautiful homes across Melbourne, central Victoria, and the coast. Find your dream home with Jellis Craig. 04 08 10
The Playground Project Melbourne: The art of play
The exhibition, curated by
traces 150 years of playground design, highlighting its ties to art, activism, and architecture. Read on to learn how the project comes to life at the Melbourne Incinerator Gallery this winter.
Domenic Cerantonio on architecture that resonates
by the studio’s Design by Dialogue philosophy, co-founder of
shares how thoughtful collaboration, bold ideas and a deep connection to place are shaping the future of Australian residential design.
My Neighbourhood with Byron Kerr
In this article, Byron Kerr, Managing Director of
Kingston, shares his journey from commercial property to leading two high-performing residential real estate offices while balancing family time and life lessons in empathy and resilience.
Guided
Cera Stribley, Domenic Cerantonio,
Swiss urbanist Gabriela Burkhalter,
Jellis Craig
Jellis Craig and The Jellis Craig Foundation are proud to be major partners of The Playground Project exhibition. Curated by Swiss urban designer Gabriela Burkhalter, the work traces 150 years of playground design, highlighting its ties to art, activism, and architecture. In this article, Gabriela Burkhalter shares the origins of her research, while Jade Niklai, Head of Visual and Public Art, Moonee Valley City Council, reflects on how the project comes to life in Melbourne at the Incinerator Gallery.
Yvan Pestalozzi, Lozziwurm (1972 / 2025). The Playground Project Melbourne. Photo Michael Pham. Courtesy Incinerator Gallery MVCC.
About Architektur für Kinder
Gabriela Burkhalter, Guest Curator
Why do you feel it is important to reflect on the history and future of children’s play?
The Playground Project (Architektur für Kinder) emerged from a research project I started around 2006, inspired by the book American Playgrounds. Revitalising Public Space by Susan G. Solomon. When I discovered a number of these non-standardised playgrounds, I realised they are not considered part of the urban heritage. But why? They had an incredible artistic quality and served as a testament to their time. People have fond memories of these playgrounds, yet they were simply removed, with few exceptions. I therefore wanted to document these playgrounds and honour their designers, who had invested a lot of time, passion and money.
How have cultural and political contexts shaped the way playgrounds are designed around the world from 19th century playgrounds of the past to more standardised designs today.
After World War Two, the topic of the playground became increasingly important when the need to build new housing and neighbourhoods arose, as did the question of where children could play safely in the context of the dominance of cars in cities.
Later, design responsibility was handed over to companies, so standard solutions became the norm (although they always existed alongside individual solutions). Individual designs became almost impossible to achieve due to the high safety standards.
Playground design used to be a sign of civic engagement. For instance, the schoolyard playgrounds in the US in the 1970s were often organised by the Parents & Teachers Association and built through a collaborative effort. The first adventure playground, opened in Germany in 1967, was a response to a lack of play spaces for older children in a large housing estate in West Berlin.
The first adventure playground in Melbourne, Australia, also emerged from the initiative of a single woman, Joan Healey. Building an individual playground always requires the engagement of local people and associations.
At the beginning of the playground movement, community groups in countries such as the US, England, Germany, and Australia responded to the challenges of growing urban environments. Playgrounds were introduced to offer children safe spaces for activity, learning, and social connection. Over time, the importance of play in childhood development became more widely recognised. It was increasingly linked to creativity, nature, and the benefits of unstructured exploration. To support these ideas, new playground concepts emerged, often shaped by artists, architects, and educators.
M. Paul Friedberg, Riis Park Plaza, Jacob Riis Houses, New York City, 1965.
Photo anon. Modern Records Centre and the Lady Allen of Hurtwood papers. University of Warwick, Coventry UK. Courtesy The Playground Project.
Yvan Pestalozzi, Lozziwurm (1972 / 2025). The Playground Project Melbourne. Photo Michael Pham. Courtesy Incinerator Gallery MVCC.
Transforming Moonee Valley’s Incinerator Gallery into interactive play space
Jade Niklai, Head of Visual and Public Art, Moonee Valley City Council
What do you hope visitors take away from the experience?
The Playground Project is where design meets adventure and where the digital pause button gets pressed. In a world where kids often play on screens, this colourful, ever-changing space turns play into something magical, and invites kids and kids at heart to climb, explore, and connect through hands-on, interactive installations. It’s not just about fun, although there’s plenty of that; it’s also a place for social connection. It’s a takeover where creativity, teamwork, and shared imagination come to life. Every corner is designed to spark curiosity, inspire movement, and remind us that some of the best learning happens when kids play together.
What conversations do you hope this exhibition will spark among families, designers, or city planners?
Local community groups are invited to gather at the Round Table during gallery hours; a modular artwork by renowned designer Mary Featherston, a pioneer in creating play and learn spaces for children over many decades, and the accomplished local artist and educator, Emily Floyd. Created as both a play element and a space for public programs, it encourages connection and creative exchange.
As a collective, The Playground Project Melbourne invites audiences to see play not just as child’s fun, but as a powerful force for reimagining all lives and our public spaces. This vibrant, hands-on exhibition shines a light on the importance of children’s play, while encouraging communities and designers alike to think differently about how we use and design our suburbs.
With support from Moonee Valley City Council, the project champions the idea that liveability and creativity go hand in hand. By bringing playful, interactive art into everyday environments, it shows how art can spark connection, boost well-being, and breathe new life into our streets and parks. The Playground Project Melbourne is more than just fun. It’s a bold step toward art-led urban renewal and stronger, more joyful communities.
Welcoming visitors to the Incinerator Gallery is The Ringtales Playground, designed by the Melbourne-based architecture studio and exhibition designer, BoardGrove Architects. This custom-built, public place space is greatly inspired by Gabriela’s research: the pedagogical ideals of ‘free play’, the significance of organic shapes and materials, and the criticality of risk-based play in childhood. Courtesy the Designers.
In the Incinerator Gallery’s historic space, Emily Floyd will also exhibit a selection of unique silk prints (Ripple, 2014) on the theme of Australian feminism and community and has produced a new work inspired by a photograph in her mother’s archive, celebrating childhood and recreation in Moonee Valley. Above image: courtesy Artist.
The Brutalist Playground, conceived by Australian visual artist Simon Terrill and the UK-based design studio, Assemble; it re-imagines mid-20th century brutalist playgrounds in colourful recycled foam and invites young visitors to an immersive installation that blends sculpture and architecture. Above image: courtesy Artist.
Naarm-based, Trawlwoolway multidisciplinary artist, Edwina Green invites children and carers to explore, imagine and play on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Shaped like an abstract oyster, the First Nations Playable Public Art Commission speaks to themes of childhood, togetherness, and renewal; while honouring the environmental and cultural significance of the river.
THE PLAYGROUND PROJECT MELBOURNE
30 June 2025 - 12 October 2025
180 Holmes Road, Aberfeldie VIC 3040
Open Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 4pm Kids under 12 go free.
Exhibition design by BoardGrove Architect Commissioned by Moonee Valley City Council Presented by Incinerator Gallery
For tickets and more information: playgroundproject.com.au
Photo Gianna Rizzo.
DESIGN by DIALOGUE
Domenic Cerantonio on architecture that resonates
As co-founder of Cera Stribley, Domenic Cerantonio believes great architecture starts with conversation. Guided by the studio’s DesignbyDialogue philosophy, he shares how thoughtful collaboration, bold ideas and a deep connection to place are shaping the future of Australian residential design.
Australia presents a unique market for expansion, as a highly industrialised country with substantial undeveloped land. Additionally, our country benefits from a strong migration pipeline, providing significant opportunities for growth and urban development.
Melbourne has an exciting future. The city’s multicultural population is a huge asset, and its diverse cultural landscape offers a rich source of inspiration for architects. This cultural diversity leads to more innovative designs as we bring their histories, stories, and backgrounds into their spaces. Additionally, Melbourne’s temperate and variable climate allows different approaches to design. The possibilities here are vast, and I believe the next decade will see Melbourne continuing to lead in the design world.
Our city’s evolution is shaping not just how we design, but how people want to live. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a real shift in what people value in their homes. Lifestyle now leads the conversation, especially in the high-end residential market.
People are no longer just looking for bigger homes; they want more flexible, adaptable spaces. Instead of open-plan areas, there’s a return to compartmentalised spaces that allow for privacy and function in a way that fits the demands of modern living.
Wellness is also playing a big role, features like saunas, plunge pools, and advanced home automation are becoming standard. But it’s not just about adding more space or more features; it’s about creating homes that enhance people’s quality of life.
When designing for resale, one of the most important considerations is including a primary suite on the ground floor. It’s a key feature for buyers looking for long-term liveability, especially for older residents or multi-generational households. Often, it’s the homes with wellproportioned, thoughtfully planned spaces that resonate most. Good design balances function and beauty without compromising flow or comfort.
Ultimately, great design isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about taking considered risks that add real value. I believe that as an industry, we sometimes play it too safe with our designs. At Cera Stribley, we’ve had the most success when we’ve pushed boundaries, tried new things, and explored ideas in ways we hadn’t seen before. The result is often something unique, it resonates with people because it’s different and exciting.
One of the projects we’re most proud of is Boxshall. A collaboration with an international design firm Studio Piet Boon. Their take on apartment living was quite different from ours, and that tension created something special. Instead of defaulting to a typical open-plan layout, we started pulling things apart. We moved the kitchen into its own space, separated key zones, and reconfigured the way each apartment flowed. As a result, every layout feels considered. There’s a uniqueness and intimacy to how the homes function.
Boxshall proved to us that when you’re brave with your ideas and you surround yourself with the right collaborators, people respond to that authenticity. It raises the bar not just for us, but for the neighbourhood it sits within.
For us, design has always been about more than just form or finish, it’s about the conversations that shape it. Design by Dialogue reflects the way we work, listening closely, challenging ideas when needed, and always staying open to where the process might lead. We’re not interested in architecture that plays it safe. The work we’re most proud of comes from asking better questions, pushing past convention, and designing in a way that feels deeply connected to place, to people, and to the way we live now.
Cera Stribley is an architecture and interior design studio, passionate about creating enduring spaces and beyond.
City of Kingston
In this article, Byron Kerr, Managing Director of Jellis Craig Kingston, shares his journey from commercial property to leading two high-performing residential real estate offices. At home, he and his wife Josie raise daughters Lyla and Ella, along with their golden retriever Polly, balancing busy careers with family breakfasts, and life lessons in empathy and resilience.
What initially drew you to the real estate industry?
My path into real estate began with a gentle nudge from my father. At 21, fresh from a commerce degree and unsure of my next step, he arranged a meeting with the Dean of RMIT’s Property program. That conversation sparked my interest in the strategy and scale of the industry. I spent my twenties at two major Melbourne development firms, watching ideas become buildings, then added a postgraduate diploma in property valuations and a Master’s in Property Business. Those years quietly built the foundation for the career and business I lead today.
What were some of the key milestones or turning points along that journey?
Enrolling in a Certificate IV in Property Services was a key turning point that opened my eyes to the agent’s world, where connection, negotiation and emotional intelligence matter as much as technical expertise. Auctioneering, the final subject, was transformative. I still remember standing at the front for the first time, trying to navigate the energy of the room. It felt natural, like all the pieces of my journey had finally clicked into place.
Is there a standout memory you have from an auction or property story that captures the spirit of the neighbourhood?
One that stands out involved an elderly woman selling the family home after losing her husband. For her, this wasn’t just a sale it was the closing of a chapter filled with decades of memories. We took the time to guide her with empathy, offering clarity and reassurance when she needed it most. When the property sold, there were lots of tears, a mix of grief and gratitude.
In that moment, and many since, I’ve come to appreciate that the true impact of our work isn’t just in the result, but in how we show up for people when they’re at their most vulnerable. It’s the trust and understanding—not just the mechanics—that leave a lasting legacy.
Do you have any favourite local spots in Mentone, Chelsea or the surrounding suburbs; cafes, parks, or hidden gems?
Truly Scrumptious in Mentone is a morning staple for us, their coffee is hard to beat and for lunch you’ll usually find us at The Corner Store in Mentone or Edithvale General Store. Huff Bagelry is always buzzing, and for dinner, Just Italy serves up handmade pasta and pizza that’s hard to pass up, along with the consistently reliable Castellos Longbeach Hotel in Chelsea.
A special mention to Mordialloc, as the area has really stepped up lately too, with exciting new additions like Chiki Chan for top-shelf Asian fusion and Rococo for incredible Italian, both adding so much to the growing culinary scene in Kingston. If you’re after a scenic walk or a relaxing spot post-meal, Peter Scullin Reserve offers lovely bay views, and the Long Beach Trail is perfect for a stretch along the coast. It’s an exciting time to be a local foodie in this part of Melbourne.
Recently celebrating your 10-year wedding anniversary with Josie, how has life in this area shaped your family’s journey?
We constantly remind ourselves how incredibly fortunate we are to live so close to the ocean. Josie always says there’s something calming about the sea air, and she’s right. There’s a peace that comes with being near the water that’s hard to describe but easy to feel.
Josie and the kids are often out running the local tracks or exploring one of the many nearby parks. I do my best to keep up with them. It’s become one of our favourite ways to stay connected and spend time together.
We love the incredible range of food options right at our doorstep. From casual bites to more refined dining, we enjoy discovering something new each week. When it comes to raising our daughters, having access to excellent schooling options has given us real peace of mind.
And after ten years, I can honestly say we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
It felt natural, like all the piecesofmyjourneyhad finallyclickedintoplace.
Where would we find you on a Sunday morning if you weren’t working?
Sundays are our dedicated family time. The kids lead the morning, usually with colouring, Barbies or Bluey. It’s relaxed and full of laughs. In the afternoon, we’ll head out to see friends, visit a park, or grab a bite nearby. It’s our day to slow down and really be present with each other.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I met my wife while trying to sell her house. Easily the greatest listing I’ve ever had (as she reminds me). It was a real sliding doors moment. What started as a professional connection quickly turned into something much more, and the rest is history. Ten years of marriage later, we still joke together that I didn’t just help her move houses, I moved in myself.
What’s a valuable lesson you hope to instil in your daughters as they grow up?
One thing I really hope to instil in my daughters is the idea that if you do what you love, the rest will take care of itself. It’s something I’ve learned through my own journey, following what drives you, what brings you joy, tends to open the right doors in life, both personally and professionally.
They’re already kind, thoughtful and self aware (thanks largely to their mum) and watching them grow into confident, compassionate young girls has been a true privilege. With their drive and empathy, they’ll thrive no matter what path they choose.
Contact Byron to discuss your investment goals in Kingston.
Byron Kerr Managing Director Jellis Craig Kingston
M 0421 192 271
Expressions of Interest
Closing Monday 23rd June at 2:00pm
Price
Contact Agents
Jellis
Auction
Saturday 28th June at 1:00pm
Price
$3,300,000 - $3,600,000
5 beds, 3 baths, 2 cars, 432sqm approx
Jellis Craig Northcote
Sam Rigopoulos 0425 834 583
Paula Beavis 0407 267 366
Expressions of Interest
Closing Tuesday 17th June at 2:00pm
Price
$1,500,000 - $1,550,000
Jellis Craig Fitzroy
Marcus Kassab 0412 987 006
Simon Mason 0439 617 844
Carmel Morganti 0438 665 145
Auction
Saturday 5th July at 12:00pm
Price
Contact Agent
Jellis Craig Northcote
Sam Rigopoulos 0425 834 583
Expressions of Interest
Closing Friday 27th June at 12:00pm
Price
$2,450,000 - $2,550,000
Jellis Craig Fitzroy
Charles Atkins 0405 287 112
David Ashby 0404 342 410
$2,400,000 - $2,600,000
Jellis Craig Ballarat
Toby Tanis 0413 842 666 5 beds, 3 baths, 4 cars, 12.4acre approx
Phil Hayward 0419 107 112
Expressions of Interest
Closing Wednesday 18th June at 3:00pm
Price
$1,950,000 - $2,090,000
Adele Mirabella 0422 570 429 4 beds, 3 baths, 2 cars, 337sqm approx
Jellis Craig Hawthorn
James Chronis 0431 146 648
Expression of Interest
Closing Tuesday 17th June at 12:00pm
Price
Expressions of Interest
Jellis Craig Armadale
Carla Fetter 0423 738 644
David Sciola 0408 598 242
Aylin Demir 0402 586 280
Auction
Saturday 14th June at 1:00pm
Price
4
Contact Agent
Jellis Craig Hawthorn
Peter Vigano 0407 301 224
Geordie Dixon-Sima 0418 588 399
Jessica Zhang 0452 468 117
Two-level rarity on the vibrant city fringe
5/101 Leveson Street, North Melbourne
4 beds, 4 baths, 3 cars
Auction
Saturday 28th June at 11:00am
Price
$2,000,000 - $2,200,000
Jellis Craig Kensington
Simon Mason 0439 617 844
John Morello 0412 088 757
Jerome Feery 0424 163 803
43 Newbay Close, Barwon Heads
5 beds, 3 baths, 2 cars, 639sqm approx
$1,600,000 - $1,750,000
Jellis Craig Barwon Heads
Andrew Ingham 0406 619 645
Milly Patista 0491 165 274
$2,400,000 - $2,600,000 Jellis Craig Fitzroy
Expressions of Interest
Tuesday 17th June at 2:00pm
Price
Expressions of Interest
Eileen Bell 0430 372 602 5 beds, 4 baths, 3 cars, 763sqm approx
Jellis Craig Bentleigh
Nick Renna 0411 551 190
Carla Fetter 0423 738 644
Expressions of Interest
Price
$2,525,000 - $2,700,000
Jellis Craig Lilydale
4 beds, 2 baths, 7.24ac approx
Lindsay Ryan 0439 696 809
Greg Earney 0438 305 687
Expressions of Interest
Expressions of Interest
Closing Thursday 12th June at 5:00pm
Price
$4,350,000 - $4,750,000
Jellis Craig Inner West
Sam Wilson 0404 865 018 Greg Cusack 0417 128 125 4
Elegant contemporary family sanctuary in prime Canterbury location
4/22 Faversham Road, Canterbury
4 beds, 4 baths, 4 cars, 585sqm approx
Auction
Saturday 14th June at 10:00am
Price
Contact Agent
Jellis Craig Hawthorn
Geordie Dixon-Sima 0418 588 399
Henry Lee 0417112636
Peter Vigano 0407 301 224
49 Heads Road, Donvale
5 beds, 5 baths, 2 cars, 4000sqm approx
Expressions of Interest
Closing Tuesday 17th June at 5:00pm
Price
$2,100,000 - $2,300,000
Jellis Craig Doncaster
Frank Perri 0414 680 483 Steve Tian 0433 542 556
4 beds, 3 baths, 4 cars, 1351squareMeter approx Cherry Hill 205 Gregory Street, Soldiers Hill
$1,500,000 - $1,600,000
Jellis Craig Ballarat
Matt Wiltshire 0487 000 873
Taya Letcher 0429 177 286
Victoria Hill – 166 Victoria St, Camberwell
Victoria Hill has been envisioned as the modern Victorian, reinstating the proportions from the grand dwellings of the Camberwell area alongside a refined design palette shaped by your personal style. Each of the 25 Residences is informed by their individual conditions – elevation, aspect, quality of light — to realise canvases in which you can imagine, design and relish your next chapter.
Residences from $1,990,000 2-3 bed, 2-3.5 bath, 2-3 car
Words from the Architect
DOMENIC CERANTONIO
Cera Stribley Co-Founder & Managing Principal
The site is rich with heritage, including an old boot factory and a decommissioned church. That context deserved more than a cosmetic nod; it needed a design that was deeply respectful, yet clearly of its time. We worked with the rhythm of the original buildings, using brick as a connecting material and layering new forms with restraint. It’s a perfect case of the past informing the present in a really powerful way. More importantly, it feels like a community. It feels lived-in and loved.
Developer Time & Place
Interior Design Hecker Guthrie
Architect Cera Stribley
Builder Hacer
Glyndon – 64 Glyndon Rd, Camberwell
Envisioned by Above Zero, this considered development reimagines luxury living with homes that are both beautiful and future-focused—each targeting a 7.5-star energy rating, fully electric and Zero Carbon. Federationinspired architecture and interiors imbued with European elegance speak to Camberwell’s rich legacy, while every detail has been shaped to support a life of comfort, sophistication, and quiet confidence. An exclusive collection of thirteen residences that reflect a rare balance of heritage character, contemporary design, and enduring quality.
Residences from $1,350,000 2-3 beds, 2-2.5 baths, 2 cars
Landscaping
John Patrick
Architecture & Interior Design
Cera Stribley
Developer Equire
Verdure - 125-127 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North
Verdure presents a bespoke collection of 12 masterful, house-sized, apartments where thoughtful design and boutique interiors are met with lush surrounds and soaring city vistas. The result of intuition, inspiration and immense attention to detail, Verdure presents an innovative yet timeless presence to the rich landscape of Balwyn North. Characterised by a strong linear form, the building champions sustainable materiality and organic textures, cultivating an aesthetic of modern sophistication and natural beauty.
Residences from $1,350,000 2-3 beds, 2-2.5 baths, 2 cars
Architecture & Interior Design
Cera Stribley
Landscaping John Patrick
Developer Equire
For more information, contact Stephen Bowtell, Jellis Craig Project 0455 038 022
THE PLAYGROUND PROJECT MELBOURNE
30 June 2025 - 12 October 2025
Presented by Incinerator Gallery 180 Holmes Road, Aberfeldie VIC 3040
Open Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 4pm
Children aged 12 and under are FREE with an accompanying adult. Use code ‘JELLISCRAIG’ for $5 discount per adult ticket. For tickets and more information: playgroundproject.com.au
