Designed to Work: A Thoughtful Approach to Functional Townhouse Design

When Zach Anthony and Tayla Price began searching for their next home, they weren’t looking for just another cookie-cutter build. They wanted a space where functional townhouse design worked hand in hand with intention—where every square metre served a purpose, and functionality didn’t come at the cost of comfort.

That search led them to Martin Street: a Thornbury townhouse project by Neometro that didn’t just look good but worked. Everything was designed to make everyday life smoother, easier, and (undeniably) better.

This isn’t just another three-bedroom townhouse. It’s a layout that evolves, built to accommodate the inevitable twists and turns of life. Need a quiet retreat to work from home? Done. A space for guests? No problem. That elusive “spare room” for...well, everything? Consider it sorted.

The open-plan living and dining areas are just as versatile. They’re made for moments big and small: late-night catch-ups over wine, quiet mornings with coffee, or hosting that group of friends who always insist on large spreads and charcuterie boards. Whatever’s on the agenda, these spaces are built to handle it effortlessly.

And because no one wants to live in chaos, storage is seamlessly integrated throughout the home. Think of it as design that does its job quietly—out of sight but never out of reach.

To bring their vision to life, Zach and Tayla worked with Alessandra Smith of Alessandra Smith Design, whose knack for blending purpose with personality shaped the home into a seamless reflection of their style. With an eye for balance and cohesion, Alessandra guided them toward a look that feels lived-in but undeniably elevated—where everything earns its place, and nothing feels forced. The result? A home that’s as practical as it is beautiful, proving that good design isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how it works for you.

Here’s where the magic happens: a home that’s as comfortable as it is sustainable. Natural light floods in through expansive windows, doing more than just brightening the interiors. It reduces the need for artificial lighting and helps regulate temperature, so the house feels warm in winter and cool in summer, no fiddling with the thermostat required.

Step outside, and there’s a private native garden, designed by the experts at Mud Office. Lush yet low-maintenance, it's a beautiful continuation of the home’s thoughtful design philosophy. It’s the kind of space where you can enjoy a breath of fresh air (literally) without worrying about weekend-long gardening sessions.

For Zach and Tayla, their Martin Street home is the result of designing with intention. Every detail has been considered, from the flexible layout to the sustainability-first approach. It’s not about flashy features or over-the-top finishes—it’s about creating a space that feels intuitive, timeless, and perfectly in tune with how people live today.

This isn’t a house that shouts for attention. It’s quietly brilliant, letting its future-focused design speak for itself. And when everything has been built to work seamlessly? There’s really nothing left to add—except maybe your own story.

The Thornbury townhouse is proof that good design isn’t just about looks—it’s about how a space works . Every element has been considered, from the adaptable floor plan to the carefully curated details that bring warmth and personality. It’s a home that balances practicality with aesthetics, where function leads and form follows naturally.

The same approach applies when it comes to choosing the right pieces for a space. It’s about selecting objects that don’t just sit there looking good but actually improve the way you live— versatile storage that keeps things in order, lighting that sets the right mood, and everyday essentials that feel anything but ordinary.

If the Thornbury townhouse has sparked ideas for your own space, you’ll find plenty to explore in our Function First edit —a collection that puts purpose at the forefront without compromising on style.