"Designed today, delivering tomorrow’s living standards": Future-proof design the cornerstone at BLVD Melbourne Square
OSK Property is breaking new ground in future-proofed living at its $2.8 billion Southbank masterplan, Melbourne Square.
The latest tower release, BLVD, was designed by COX Architecture. Their brief was to create a building which will be as relevant by its completion in 2027 as it is now.
Paul Curry, Director of Cox Architects, says BLVD is a rare example of a building designed today with tomorrow's living standards in mind. Its focus on wellness, connectivity, and community sets a new precedent for urban development in Melbourne.
“It’s rare to create a building designed today delivering tomorrow’s living standards. A blueprint for modern life, BLVD is for you and your community to live well and foster better connections than ever before," Curry said.
The integration of industry-leading technology and connectivity within BLVD ensures that residents can personalise their living spaces and streamline their everyday lives.
Home automation systems allow for effortless control of lighting, temperature, and other amenities, while the smart building app connect residents to a wide range of services and activities.
Smart lockers provide a seamless collection point for deliveries, so need to to collect parcels from the post office on a weekend.
While tech advancements are often the future, so are sustainability and wellness.
Wellness has been a key consideration for millions in recent years since the pandemic. Wellness has been the cornerstone of design considerations and inclusions throughout Melbourne Square. Central to the ethos of BLVD is the pursuit of WELL Certification, a world-leading framework that prioritises the health and well-being of residents.
Melbourne Square is one of the first residential projects in Australia registered to pursue WELL Certification, leading the way in promoting holistic wellness and sustainability.
Jack Noonan, Vice President of the Asia Pacific International WELL Building Institute, highlights the importance of the certification, saying that Australia's buildings must respond better to create places that feel healthier, happier, and deliver more sustainable outcomes.
"We know that great spaces prioritise and improve health by helping fuel our bodies, keeping us connected, inspiring our best work and facilitating a good night’s sleep. We also know that our buildings must respond better to create places that feel healthier, happier and deliver more sustainable outcomes," Noonan said.
"This is why BLVD is one of the first residential projects in Australia registered to pursue WELL Certification. OSK Property has applied this world-leading framework from the ground up with a holistic suite of integrated solutions, including optimised access to natural light, great thermal comfort and indoor air quality, through to social, fitness and mental wellbeing amenities. Together, they create an ecosystem to help you live well every day."
To increase the wellness of its resident, OSK Property doubled down on amenities and facilities within the building. They have a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, a gym, sauna, a Zen garden, alfresco dining areas with barbecue facilities, and top of the line entertainment facilities including residents' lounges, dining rooms, a cinema/karaoke room, and even a golf simulator. They've catered for the growing work from home trend with co-working spaces, meeting rooms and private booths to work from.
Sustainability is a core design principle at BLVD. The building is gas-free and carbon neutral operation-enabled, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. To promote electric vehicle usage, BLVD also has provision for electric car charging stations, encouraging residents to adopt eco-friendly transportation options.
The architectural choices in BLVD also contribute to a healthier living environment. The building prioritises access to natural light, ensuring ample exposure to daylight for residents, while superior thermal comfort and indoor air quality will further enhance the well-being of occupants.
Carr Design Managing Director Chris McCue said BLVD is truly a living and breathing building.
"We drew deeply on the rich natural landscapes of the surrounding precinct, which are woven through the building’s generous amenities through the material palette and quality fittings. From the gently lit, articulated lobby to the double-height views on the 55th floor, each interior connects immediately to the bay and garden views, offering a sense of scale and freedom," McCue said.
"The residences capture beautifully restrained and timeless interior architecture. Continuing the same reductionist ideology and palette, nature shines through warm, tonal materials and subtle, textured finishes. Together, they create a calm environment for you to make your own and live your way. Perfectly attuned with a design that elevates the senses, we feel very privileged to carve new spaces for the next generation.”
