999 Box Hill adds to the suburb's growing residential stock

999 Box Hill adds to the suburb's growing residential stock
Laurence DragomirFebruary 27, 2017

Located at 999 Whitehorse Road and designed by Hayball, 999 Box Hill is a 12-storey development of 90 apartments which seeks to add to Box Hill's expanding apartment market. The development also continues the expansion of Hayball's Box Hill portfolio, and shares DNA with a number of other Hayball-designed projects in the area.

The liberal use of textured concrete is very much characteristic of a minimalist aesthetic and restrained material palette, both inside and out, with the warm tones of the timber soffits softening the robust, heavy concrete exterior. The exterior also provides a sense of movement across its facades with staggered concrete panels which appear to shift along one axis, juxtaposed with weaving glazed ribbons along the balconies which provide moments of transparency.

999 Box Hill's general form from street level is largely in the guise of a 'tower' and 'podium' typology, although at a smaller scale. Rebates extend along the height of the building and provide separation between four cubic elements of glazed and concrete faces, rotated 90 degrees with each repetition, then stacked and arranged in a manner which seeks to break down the mass of the building, but also read as complementary parts of a single composition.

As is customary with all their projects, Hayball have ensured each apartment in 999 Box Hill is provided with adequate natural light and ventilation.

999 Box Hill adds to the suburb's growing residential stock
Views within and beyond. Image: Supplied

In an area undergoing rapid change and renewal, 999 is designed to provide a refined and luxurious living experience. The finely crafted architecture will draw light deep within the interiors, where there is an emphasis on wellbeing and tranquillity.

Timber and natural stone finishes take hues from the interiors of a luxurious spa retreat and the healing power of the earth’s rich mineral assets. A minimal design palette of warm gold and bronze tones further reinforces the sense of wellbeing and peacefulness throughout.

Eugene Cheng, Director, Hayball

The development adds to the area's rapidly growing skyline and street wall, ensuring Box Hill is well on its way to becoming a satellite city of Melbourne. urban.com.au recently spoke with Beller Associate Director, Heath Thompson, to provide some insight into the Box Hill market and 999 Box Hill in particular.

urban.com.au: Hayball have a strong legacy of projects in Box Hill and an understanding of the market. Is this something buyers are aware of and does it influence their purchase?

Heath Thompson: It's fair to say they’re the go-to architect for Box Hill apartments. Hayball have a fantastic reputation in Melbourne as a whole, adding to this the fact they have completed a lot of work in Box Hill makes them an ideal choice.

The market is certainly aware of Hayball as an architect that provides excellence in design from an aesthetic point of view but also as a designer of quality living spaces. The market always recognises good quality property.

UM: What do you think the appeal of Box Hill is for potential buyers and likewise 999 Box Hill?

HT: Box Hill definitely has a distinct community feel that provides a natural attraction in the marketplace. Box Hill provides residents with CBD-like facilities including, shopping, dining, transport and entertainment options all within a short walk and also provides excellent access to the amenities of broader Melbourne.

UM: What is the target market for 999 Box Hill? Owner-occupiers? Investors? And what are the expectations?

HT: All of the above; investors, owner occupiers, first homes buyers and down sizers. The project caters at almost everyone. Unlike in many other projects, the developer didn't have significant acquisition costs to pass on to purchasers, which has meant the apartments are really well priced with lots of room for growth.

This, along with the significant appeals of the area, make it an attractive proposition for all buyers. The design of the project has also attracted interest from owner occupiers, with loads of natural light, ample frontage, wide liveable spaces and bathtubs (which are very rare in apartments but very handy for families with young children).

UM: And final thoughts on Box Hill? Would you say it's booming?

HT: Box Hill is like it’s own economy, and a fast developing satellite CBD. I think it is already booming and will continue to do so for some time to come. Investment in Box Hill is astounding and provides a very exciting opportunity.

999 Box Hill adds to the suburb's growing residential stock
999's living areas reflect the muted material palette. Image: Supplied

Project quick facts

  • Architect: Hayball
  • Number of Apartments: 90 total. 7 x 1 bedroom, 72 x 2 bedroom and 11 x 3 bedroom
  • Number of Levels: 3 basement + Ground + 11 levels
  • Construction Start: 2017 End: 2019-20
  • Common Areas: Level 1 courtyard with BBQ, pergola and seating areas

Laurence Dragomir

Laurence Dragomir is one of the co-founders of Urban Melbourne. Laurence has developed a wealth of knowledge and experience working in both the private and public sector specialising in architecture, urban design and planning. He also has a keen interest in the built environment, cities and Star Wars.

Editor's Picks