Fender Katsalidis-designed plans lodged for Balmoral apartment development

Balmoral, one of Brisbane's most exclusive residential catchments renowned for its riverfront lifestyle, is set to welcome a new residential precinct. 

Local developer Skyhold has had Fender Katsalidis Architects draw up plans for a medium-density development at 91 Lytton Road and 57 Andrew Street.

This site plays a key role in Brisbane’s military history and is considered a significant remnant of the United States Military presence in Brisbane during the second World War.

The project aims to transform the site, which is currently occupied by a church and carpark, into a vibrant community consisting of 181 apartments and townhouses.

Render of the proposed Balmoral development. Credit: Fender Katsalidis.

"Our vision for 91 Lytton Road is to repurpose an under-utilised site into a vibrant, medium density residential precinct optimising its existing natural landscape and bringing greenery across the precinct and into the residences spread across the site." Fender Katsalidis said in their Urban Context Report.

"The proposed exterior palette reference responds creatively to subtropical, residential architecture that is local to the greater Brisbane region.

"Architectural forms have been carefully located to maximise views and solar access whilst minimising visual bulk and respecting the scale of existing and future nearby buildings."

Spanning 23,265 sqm, the site's transformation holds great promise for the neighbourhood which is currently closed off to the broader community.

The project involves the demolition of the existing church building to make way for the construction of two rows of townhouses and three medium-density residential buildings. Designed with careful consideration for the surrounding environment, the buildings feature a stepped and horizontal form that mimics the site's steep topography. 

A mix of two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses will be on offer, in addition to seven three-bedroom townhouses and seven four-bedroom townhouses.

The strategic positioning of the buildings takes advantage of the site's topography and maximises favourable outlooks. The arrangement allows for ample northern views, while minimising any potential overlooking onto neighbouring residential housing along Bolan Street and Thorpe Street.

To maintain the area's lush greenery and natural beauty, a deep-planting conservation area measuring approximately 7,000 sqm is proposed along the western edge of the site.

"Taking cue from the diversity of residential neighbourhoods, the proposed development consists of four distinctive approaches to facade expression that address climate attenuation, outlook and privacy to create an architectural identity that is subtropical," FK's reported continued.

"The arrangement of these facade treatments also serves to break down the scale of built mass."

Render of the proposed Balmoral development. Credit: Fender Katsalidis.

Building one occupies the centre of the site and serves as the main vehicular arrival from Bolan Street, housing the porte cochere and indoor resident amenities, including a double-story lobby, co-working space and meeting rooms, on its ground level. This building is comprised of 37 apartments over four levels, with the residences primarily located on upper floors. 

Residents of Building one will also have access to a dedicated function space with a 69 square meter outdoor north-facing terrace, providing breathtaking views of the river and beyond. This space can be booked for private events, offering an exclusive venue for special occasions.

Building two, comprising 62 apartments over five levels, focuses on cross ventilation and features discreet entries to courtyard apartments by the pool. These apartments benefit from sheltered areas created by deep, stepped planters.

Building three, located at the rear and elevated position of the site, is surrounded by deep planting and conservation areas, ensuring a leafy outlook for its 68 apartments over six levels. 

Solar panels will be considered across the main apartment buildings, taking advantage of the expansive roof surface area, while energy-efficient electrical fittings and motion-activated lighting will minimise energy waste. 

With its prime location, the development offers residents easy access to a plethora of amenities and attractions. Situated less than four kilometres from Brisbane's CBD, Balmoral provides a desirable lifestyle with its proximity to Bulimba State School, and the vibrant Oxford Street retail precinct.

The area also benefits from public transport provision, including bus lines and two major ferry terminals at Oxford Street and Apollo Road. The strategic river bend also allows for direct connectivity to the riverside suburbs of Teneriffe and Hamilton.

The apartments will also sit near to the Bulimba Barracks Masterplan to the North of the site, which proposes a mixed-use precinct with multiple buildings allowing up to 850 apartments and approximately 3300 sqm of retail floor area.