Friday April 24 2009

Now we are going to Barcelona,” says Steven Last, leading the way from the Parisian-style penthouse of his multi-level residence to an apartment on the third floor. “This is my private retreat when I think I’d like to live in Spain,” he explains, opening the door to a bright, warm space that reveals a splash of Catalan enchantment in harbourside Hobart.

Such eclectic richness is typical of The Last Villa, the unique building in which this architect lives, works and offers a stylish sideline in boutique accommodation. He has just completed a 10-year restoration of the local landmark, which now comprises six studio-style apartments over six levels, each with a different theme. Steven may choose to live in any of these on any particular day, depending on his whims and current guest list.

The house dates from the 1940s and Steven believes it was inspired by the work of the highly individual Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi. Ostensibly built as a garage, to get around postwar building restrictions, it was constructed mainly from reclaimed materials.

“The man who built it, Taffee Patterson, was very creative,” says Steven. “This is a classic early example of recycling and adaptive re-use. Brass bedframes were used as reinforcement, for example. External columns are sewer pipes filled with concrete to become the main structural support. So inventive.”

The Last Villa reveals little from the street but promises much – its ziggurat-style facade and the eye-catching glazed tiles inspire great curiosity. For decades passers-by have asked, “What’s behind the wall?”. Steven did the same when he first saw it, at the age of 18. Many years later, when he saw a newspaper ad offering an “unusual apartment” for lease, he knew it would have to be this address. He rented the penthouse for less than a year before buying the whole building.

The decade-long renovation has included full rewiring, plumbing upgrades, and new fittings and fixtures throughout. The kitchens and bathrooms retain selected original components, kept for their character. Some of the north-facing windows, which overlook the Derwent River, were replaced by french doors and Juliet balconies. Across all levels, a classic European apartment treatment – including white walls, exposed rafters and floorboards, part of an aesthetic that values beauty and integrity over perfection – has produced a series of elegant and original capsules for living.

“I knew that small spaces would be the way of the future,” says Steven. “Spanish and Japanese cultures’ use of space is of major importance when I think about sustainability and our carbon footprints.’’

“This place is also the most economical overseas experience I’ve had,” Steven adds. “I close the door and walk into multiple levels of European living!”