News

Construction Update

We are proud to announce La Storia is officially topped out at 88 Pelham Street, Carlton.

As the team take a moment to celebrate this milestone, we sit down for a 5-minute chat with M3 Design, the architects behind the La Storia project. M3 Design is a youthful and vibrant design studio led by Architect Gianni Mancuso. Like Camillo, they are a proud family business, passionate about creating spaces that are thoughtful and built to stand the test of time. Every decision. Every material. Every detail.

Interview with M3 Design

Camillo: Now that La Storia is officially topped out, let’s wind it back to the beginning. Tell us about the brief for this project.

M3: The brief for La Storia was all about elevating the site to a higher purpose. The Client had owned the land for a long time and had a strong emotional connection to it. They didn’t want just another standardised, run-of-the-mill development; their vision was to create something truly unique. The higher purpose became the goal – a close-knit community within a bold, proud, and authentic building. A key part of that vision was reducing the number of dwellings to allow for multi-generational living, reflecting the qualities that resonate with the Italian migrant journey: resilience, strength, family, and hard work. The interior brief followed the same principles. The Client wanted design elements typically found in larger single residences, such as formal foyers for each apartment and kitchens that truly serve as the heart of the home. It was about combining functionality with a sense of tradition and family.

Camillo: What was the inspiration behind the design?

M3: From the beginning, it was clear that this project wasn’t just about creating another building – it was about paying homage to a way of life. La Storia represents the heart of Carlton. It’s inspired by the rich history of its surroundings and famous immigrant culture. Dotted all over this inner-city suburb are the stories from the past. From the cafés, treelined paths, street architecture, and town squares, there’s a resemblance to the Italian old country here. We referenced the work of 20th-century Venetian architect and designer Carlo Scarpa, mirroring his passion for materiality, and almost obsessive dedication to the craft. There is a contrast between ancient and modern, strong and natural, generous and intimate, subtle and subversive. Put simply, La Storia is a reflection of great Italian design.

Camillo: The location plays such an important role behind this building. Were there any notable references that you drew on from its history?

M3: The project sits amongst the tree-lined streets of Carlton directly across from Piazza Italia, an area that was home to many Italian migrants and their businesses. This was initially a place for these families to work and provide for their community, and even now it remains home to Italian specialised ingredients, food, and wine. We wanted the building to have a rooted presence to represent the nature of Carlton and its history – such as the migrant culture and the entrepreneurial legacy of merchants. We also wanted it to be something of an ode to the developers too; proud, strong, and memorable.

Camillo: Speaking of the building itself – what is most interesting about it?

M3: The fact that there are only four residences per level is quite a rarity from an apartment building perspective. This was a key decision to accommodate multigenerational living by lessening the number of total dwellings. They feel more like homes than apartments. Aesthetically, the concrete façade/exoskeleton is an amazing combination of contemporary brutalism, structural engineering and architectural detailing. We think this is the most exciting component of the building, having been one of the most considered and detailed design elements.

Camillo: What will residents get to look forward to when they move in?

M3: Each of the large-format apartments prioritises natural light and airflow for maximum functionality and movement. Of course, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s the focal point, featuring a suite of Smeg Dolce Stil Novo appliances as well as Sub Zero refrigeration so residents can place food, hospitality and entertaining front and centre. Astra Walker bath ware features throughout the project and was also purposefully selected due to their unmistakable quality and aesthetic.

Camillo: We’re looking forward to bringing the vision to life as we move on to the next stages of the build with you. What made Camillo the right partner for this project?

M3: One of the key factors was the similar cultural background and migrant stories of the past generations between us. This was something that a lot of the team had in common and really resonated, like a shared history of sorts. It created a unique connection which added another layer to the collaboration. Beyond that, Camillo’s reputation as a boutique builder, especially for projects of this calibre, stood out to the developer as the perfect partner for bringing La Storia into reality.

Camillo: You know we’ve got to ask, how has the partnership been working together on this project?

M3: The Camillo team have been a great support and genuinely understand the overarching ‘higher purpose’ of the project. This has filtered through the entire site team, with great care and precision employed by all. It is exciting to come together with professionals who share the same passion for the project and the Client’s vision.

Camillo: What are some synergies you’ve discovered between our teams?

M3: It’s our shared values on work, life, football, and everything in between that has helped us to break down barriers and work through problems in a cool, calm, and considered manner. Working with Camillo has provided us with great insight into the mechanisms behind commercial construction, and how we can best support everyone to achieve the highest quality outcome.

Camillo: Our time is up! Last question: what are you most excited about when La Storia is completed?

M3: We’re most excited about seeing the monolithic concrete façade (that we mentioned earlier), basking in the morning sun!