Exclusive first look: Fortis propose full floor apartments at first Brisbane apartment development
Having acquired a prime Kangaroo Point riverfront site earlier this year, Sydney and Melbourne developer Fortis has submitted plans for a luxury 14-level tower with full-floor apartments.
Plus Architecture have designed the new tower, dubbed O'connell, on a prime 1,196 sqm riverfront site at 44 O'Connell Street which was bought from architect-turned developer Joe Adsett.
The new plans will feature 14 full floor apartments, spanning 260 sqm of internal space and a 40 sqm, river-facing balcony which will capture east-to-west views from Bulimba to the Story Bridge and Brisbane City.
The only exception is the penthouse, which has the same floorplan internally as the other apartments, but it has a private rooftop terrace with a swimming pool.
Each apartment will have three bedrooms and a multi-purpose space.
The resident amenity is on the ground floor, which will include a gym with a sauna, a riverfront pool, and a grassed lawn, all oriented toward the river where there will be a pontoon with private mooring.
Plus Architecture broke the design concept down into four sections; the cliff top, the cliff, the riverbank, and the river.
They said their design prioritises capturing breathtaking views through thoughtful building orientation.
Given the site setback from the street and the street frontage being blocked by the development to the west, we have focused on treating the river as the main public frontage," Plus Architecture's Director Danny Juric said.
"The design incorporates panoramic views of the scenic New Farm area and the serene Brisbane River, fostering a strong connection to nature.
"The living area and master bedroom will be gain glimpses of the the iconic Story Bridge over the river. Views of the vibrant cityscape to the west create a dynamic and engaging backdrop."
Brisbane's subtropical climate was also taken into consideration during the design process, as Plus sought to target solar heat control and cross ventilation.
"The building itself is orientated in response to Brisbane’s climatic conditions," Juric said.
"As the apartments are full-floor, each unit is designed to embrace the elements and reduce reliance on artificial energy sources.
"The simple architectural form comprises of horizontal eaves to provide shading on the north, east and western facades, precast panels are introduced strategically to block unwanted sun, and vertical fins are proposed to provide shading and screening to apartment living areas."
On securing both the Kangaroo Point site and a commercial site in Newstead, Fortis Director Charles Mellick said launching in Brisbane was natural progression for the company after their success in premium projects in Sydney and Melbourne.
“Our project in Kangaroo Point is a rare offering, this being an absolute riverfront site with no public parklands or roads in front of it.
"The timing is right as we see record-breaking activity in the off the plan luxury market in Brisbane, alongside record prices being achieved in square metre rates.
The planning report by Ethos Urban said 44 O’Connell Street offers sophisticated living close to the CBD.
"The tower’s strength in form and earthy tones replicate the terrestrial makeup of its context at Kangaroo Point; and emphasize the historical significance of the area."
