First look: Architectural apartments set for St Lucia
St Lucia is set to receive an injection in architecture, with Contreras Earl putting together plans for five striking apartments near Perin Park.
A private developer, who bought 122 Gailey Road, an original post-war home on 810 sqm earlier this year for $1.78 million, is seeking to create the row of what are more like townhouses that apartments, each with three bedrooms across four levels.
In their submission to the Brisbane City Council, Contreras Earl said the site presents a great opportunity to create a landmark building that will be integrated with the natural landscape of its surroundings.
"The building design responds to multiple parameters such as orientation, context, topography, environment, user and community. The connection between the building and the site was of primary importance driving the design process."
They said the intent is to feel that the building has always been part of the site and is intended to look like a natural rock formation.
"The building achieves an interesting relationship between solidity and transparency which reinforces its directionality and the material selection of warm concrete, aluminium, stone and translucent glass mixed with the landscape layout plays also a very important role in blending the building with the natural character of its context.
"The result is a unique architectural expression that will create unique experiences for its users and the surrounding community.
"Architecture needs to inspire, give hope about the future and create a special connection with people and that’s what this building will intend to do. This new landmark building will be a new architectural asset for the urban fabric of St. Lucia and of the city of Brisbane."
Each townhouse has a garage on the ground level, with a storage room, laundry, and a multi-purpose room.
The living, kitchen and dining sits on level one, an extends to a wide balcony. Level two homes three bedrooms, the masters with walk-in wardrobes and ensuites. The two end townhouses have a built in study nook, while the middle three have a home office room.
Every townhouse has a rooftop deck with a plunge pool and alfresco dining area.
"[There's] a unique rooftop terrace which will make these buildings special, the terrace gives each of the dwellings a special connection with the context where people can take advantage of the beautiful and peaceful views of the Brisbane city and Mount Coo-tha," Contreras Earl added.
Families are likely to show interest given the size and the location as the address falls into catchment for the highly sought-after Ironside State School.
St Lucia is well known for its new and off the plan developments. The most recent was 160 Macquarie Street by QM Properties, which completed earlier this year. That was St Lucia's first riverfront residential development in more than a decade.
The 33 Rothelowman-designed apartments, built by McNab, sold out before construction completion. They were 80 per cent sold before construction even began.
Read more: Construction starts on 160 Macquarie, St Lucia's first riverfront apartments in a decade