Going nuts for Coventry

Two residential towers have recently been completed on Southbank, with occupants of the combined 590 apartments due to move in to both Sunday Apartments at 63-75 Coventry St and Guilfoyle at 39 Coventry St. Potentially adding to the areas increasing popularity is another proposed residential tower at 33 Coventry St which is currently before Melbourne City Council seeking approval. 

Designed by Jackson Clement Burrows for Seed Developments Pty Ltd, the 17 level complex would sit upon a 320sqm site opposite Victoria Barracks, allowing for uninterrupted views of City Rd and CBD skylines along with the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Consisting of only 35 apartments, the development would be pitched toward the higher end of the market averaging two dwellings per floor. 18 one-bedroom, 10 two-bed and 7 three-bed options would make up the apartment mix.

Apartments start from 47sqm for a 1bed/1bath dwelling and increase in size thereafter with the 15th level 3bed/3bath penthouse holding 217sqm of internal area. Further the penthouse would enjoy three separate external spaces on level 15 plus a 92sqm roof deck and outdoor kitchen/entertaining area of roughly 40sqm on level 16, accessible by stairs from the penthouse below.

I struggle to think of many apartments in Melbourne that include such generous living and external entertaining areas combined.

With available street frontage of 10.2 metres and little if any natural light penetration from the east/west facades project architect Jackson Clement Burrows have been clever in the way they've addressed the facade. Each level is seemingly stacked off centre through the use of horizontal aluminium bands, continuing the theme initiated by the neighbouring Guilfoyle building.

Extensive use of glass has been incorporated over the northern facade to maximise natural light, and while the shading screens over every level may appear as a solid form from a distance, they too will allow light to penetrate.

The cross section above shows the eastern boundary lift well wrapped by apartments, while the architects have addressed the limited site area in a novel way when incorporating car parking. Subground parking and sections of the first nine levels above ground will be dedicated to 46 parking spaces, serviced by a car shuttle and turn table located on ground floor.

Reading through the associated ESD report, 33 Coventry will carry a 6.4 star average energy rating, rainwater harvesting (via two large rooftop tanks) for toilet flushing and a possible dual renewable energy system. Either photovoltaic panels or a solar pre-heat water system will be installed on the roof, providing an estimated 5.7 tonne saving in greenhouse emissions each year.

Submitted late 2012, the application is awaiting a MCC decision.

See below photos of Guilfoyle and Sunday apartments plus more images of the proposed 33 Coventry Street.