Zach Anthony and Tayla Price know from experience that not all housing developments are created equal.

Their previous apartment — purchased off the plan — was heavily delayed, defective, and the builder went into administration midway through the project.

Keen to avoid the same scenario in their next off-the-plan purchase, Zach and Tayla looked for a developer and team with a better track record.

‘That experience did help us to know what kinds of things to ask, expect and look out for in this development,’ says Zach.

‘We had been following Neometro for years (ever since their 9 Smith Street development), and always dreamed of living in one of their developments, although I didn’t think it would actually happen.’

Zach and Tayla learned about a new Neometro townhouse project in Thornbury, Melbourne that was conveniently located halfway between Taylas dad’s house in Northcote, and Zach’s family home in Ivanhoe.

‘We thought that the opportunity was too good to pass up,’ says Zach.

Zach and Tayla didn’t modify any elements of the proposed architecture and interiors, which featured concrete floors and white brick and terracotta tiled walls, softened by linen sheer curtains.

Instead, after purchasing the townhouse they put a lot of thought into the furniture selection and styling for their new home, working with Ally of Alessandra Smith Design to form a cohesive scheme with Scandinavian and Japanese influences.

With Ally’s guidance, Zach and Tayla became more confident to introduce colour and a varied lighting scheme into the house.

‘Together with Ally, we focused on selections having longevity, and tried to favour those with a more “timeless” aesthetic,’ says Zach.

This objective drove a preference for iconic design pieces with decades-long appeal, including Vitsoe modular shelving (originally designed in the 1960s), an Akari lamp, and 1970s Knoll Spoleto dining chairs.

‘Ally delivered on the brief we had laid out, and we’re thrilled with how everything has come together. It really feels like a home now,’ says Zach. ‘The warmth of the furnishings and lighting makes it so easy to just relax and melt into our couch after a long day.’

Zach and Tayla love the look and feel of their stylish new home, but they’ve also been pleasantly surprised by the creature comforts that come with living in a modern development – such as great insulation, cross ventilation, and underfloor heating.

‘All the passive heating and cooling solutions make it so comfortable to be at home,’ says Zach.

We love an off-the-plan success story!