McBride Charles Ryan

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Developer Growland Group are running with a recently unveiled project that may well set a new height benchmark for Melbourne's south-eastern corridor. 

St Kilda Road-based Growland Group initially turned to McBride Charles Ryan for their third Melbourne development, with initial concept renders showing dual residential towers of up to 23 levels with a typical burst of purple; a colour synonymous with the Prahran-based design practice.

With the Highett project now at planning, ROTHELOWAN have been installed as the preferred architect with the submitted scheme yet to be made public.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image18_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="MCR and Golden Asset's take on Highett"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_6.jpg?itok=OyMdXoME" title="MCR and Golden Asset's take on Highett" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>MCR and Golden Asset's take on Highett</figcaption></figure>Growland Group's (formerly Golden Asset) website carries the following description:

<blockquote>
The Highett project is conveniently located on the north side of Southland Westfield Shopping Centre. Zoned for Mixed-Use and a land size of 4,000sqm, this residential development will become the tallest and most significant building within the area.

The interior design and its contemporary architecture will be designed by Melbourne’s most celebrated, multi-award winning architecture practices, McBride Charles Ryan Architects.
<cite><a href="http://www.goldenasset.com.au/projects/highett">Golden Asset project description: Highett</a></cite>
</blockquote>

Set on a plot of roughly 4,000sqm, the development may well absorb a vacant tract of land fronting Nepean Highway and Karen Street.

The Highett venture is third in line in terms of the developer's local pipeline. With 459 apartments under construction on Southbank, Footscray's 4 Hopkins Street is shaping as the next project to advance.

Within the Joseph Road Precinct, 4 Hopkins Street is a large 13,100sqm vacant site which Growland Group expect will yield in excess of 1,000 apartments, in addition to ground-level retail spaces and communal facilities/rooftop gardens. Project architect Kavellaris Urban Design has created a scheme with multiple buildings, which would likely be constructed over stages.

Dubbed Merchant Square, the project's signature would be a solid podium surface disrupted by louvers which would "create <a href="http://www.goldenasset.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Merchant-Square_Image001.jpg">low-rise silhouette shapes</a> that blur the between suburb and city in the Footscray area."

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image19_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Planning application image: Kavellaris Urban Design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="672" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_7.jpg?itok=TWKrSttI" title="Planning application image: Kavellaris Urban Design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>2015 planning application image: Kavellaris Urban Design</figcaption></figure>Growland Group's first Australian project, Marco Melbourne, continues to rise at pace on Southbank. Spread over 1,455sqm and located at 42-48 Balston Street, the site with permits in place was secured by the developer during 2013.

After a construction delay due to a tower crane failure during 2015, head contractor Crema Constructions has a 2016 completion date set for the project which will hold 459 apartments upon completion. With a value of $105 Million, Marco Melbourne is well on the way to topping out, with the taller of the two separate towers set to reach 40 storeys.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image20_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Marco Melbourne. Images courtesy Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="431" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image20_2.jpg?itok=4rkvJfK9" title="Marco Melbourne. Images courtesy Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Marco Melbourne. Images courtesy Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Growland Group assumes a greater presence across Melbourne

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Peruse the Urban.com.au project database and Footscray has no fewer that 20 residential listings covering roughly 30 separate buildings yet to be built. There's little doubt that Footscray will be an apartment hotspot in the near future, but what of the associated infrastructure and amenity that should always accompany mass development?

Over the past decade the heart of Footscray has seen tremendous change for the better with both the State Government and Maribyrnong City Council doing their bit to regenerate the area, whether it be infrastructure such as a revamped Footscray Station or extensive civic works with an aim toward creating a more pleasant built form environment.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image193.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Footscray's possible Welcome Arch. Image courtesy MCR"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="280" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image193.jpg?itok=9lQz3LXl" title="Footscray's possible Welcome Arch. Image courtesy MCR" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Footscray's possible Welcome Arch. Image courtesy MCR</figcaption></figure>In line with the latter, initial images for a Welcome Arch has been revealed as part of the Little Saigon Precinct Activation Plan. With the aim of mustering public opinion prior to settling upon a final design, the McBride Charles Ryan design has been encouraged by Council, with input from the Footscray Asian Business Association, Vietnamese Community Australia Victorian Chapter, Footscray Traders Association and the Footscray Community Arts Centre.

Featuring two crane-like structures, the McBride Charles Ryan piece will carry both cultural and local references embossed on the internal walls of the sculpture. Environmentally Sustainable Design elements have also been incorporated which will see adaptable reuse (the building has been designed to ensure adaptable long term reuse); low energy lighting; passive ventilation; and high quality pedestrian and cycle environments included, according to the associated City Development Special Committee report.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image194.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new Little Saigon. Image courtesy Group GSA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image194.jpg?itok=h7lw7V8l" title="A new Little Saigon. Image courtesy Group GSA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new Little Saigon. Image courtesy Group GSA</figcaption></figure>Forming part of the Little Saigon Precinct Activation Plan, the Welcome Arch is expected to join a raft of additional upgrades designed to enhance the immediate local environment. Further landscaping is earmarked within the precinct, as is an upgrade to Byron Street which will see new public facilities delivered.

According to consultancy Spiire, "The proposed development proposes a significant intensification of currently underutilised land through providing additional retail opportunities, car parking and informal community recreation space." Put before Council for consideration during December 2014, the existing at-grade public car park will be condensed into a multi-level structure in order to facilitate a public plaza complete with artworks.

Accordingly a planning permit has been issued for the building and plaza, with construction due to commence shortly.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/little-saigon-development_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Little Saigon Market. Image courtesy Atomic 3D"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/little-saigon-development_1.jpg?itok=cDsyJRNE" title="Little Saigon Market. Image courtesy Atomic 3D" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Little Saigon Market. Image courtesy Atomic 3D</figcaption></figure>What remains ambiguous are the plans for Little Saigon Market, directly opposite the new Byron Street plaza. Architecture firm Techné have conceived a residential complex of 260 apartments over two towers which would consume the entire 5,000sqm site. The approved redevelopment would feature a market style retail centre at ground level.

<blockquote>
The form allows for maximum natural light and visual outlook by splitting the volume into two towers, resulting in the creation of an internal podium of landscaped open space. The towers employ an additive method of articulation which reflects opposing functional aspects of the program and responds to the unique built form of the surrounding area.
<cite>Techné</cite>
</blockquote>

Like so many other residential projects in Footscray, the Little Saigon Market development has yet to proceed. At least the civic infrastructure will be in place should it ever be delivered.
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Footscray's little saigon finds its phoenix

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Earmarked from the outset as a stand-out design, MAB Corporation's 429-437 Docklands Drive is poised to receive planning approval from City of Melbourne. Surfacing during 2013 as a <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/the-quays-to-success">crescent-shaped hotel</a>, MAB Corporation has elected to proceed with a purely residential tower on a sizeable development plot which was formerly part of Waterfront City.

The McBride Charles Ryan-designed residential tower is set to be joined by an expansive public park as was first mooted during MAB Corporation's purchase of the land some years ago. While discussions between Places Victoria, City of Melbourne and the development team predated the November 2014 planning application submission, a recommendation of approval included within a report will be assessed by the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee who sit this evening.

<h2>429-437 Docklands Drive, Docklands application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image29.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The porposed eastern elevation. Image courtesy MCR"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image29.jpg?itok=R_8QrW5y" title="The porposed eastern elevation. Image courtesy MCR" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The porposed eastern elevation. Image courtesy MCR</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Lot C Newquay Promenade: 8,549sqm site</li>
	<li>17 level residential building at 68.8 metres in height</li>
	<li>118 apartments: 1/2/3/4 bedroom options</li>
	<li>Provision for 63 car parking and 42 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Additional car spaces and bicycle bays also located within adjoining 'Promenade' development</li>
	<li>Urban park atop basement car parking</li>
	<li>GFA: 15,187sqm</li>
	<li>​Rooftop amenities</li>
	<li>Cafe spaces at ground level</li>
</ul>
The development will hold a mixture of living options, seemingly with a slant toward the higher-end purchaser. 26 one bedroom apartments are included, as are 68 two bedroom and 19 three bedroom apartments. Somewhat unusually three four bedroom apartments are designed into the higher levels of the building while two four bedroom apartments will occupy the highest habitable floor; each approximately holding 335sqm of internal area.

<blockquote>
Building C is envisaged as an iconic building within a prominent location of New Quay Central. The built form of the proposed building has been the subject of much discussion and the current form is considered to be one of high design integrity that will make a positive contribution to the precinct.

The building is proposed to be in an egg shaped form which is different to the rectangular form shown in the development plan. This form has resulted in a reduction in width and an increase in the overall height to maintain a gross floor area consistent with that anticipated in the DP. Although the height has increased the slender, narrower footprint allows for wider view cones in and around the proposed tower, including to Victoria Harbour.
<cite>Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

Above the ground level colonnade, 429-437 Docklands Drive's exterior will be draped in a 'lattice work' finish consisting of white aluminium panels arranged to provide an elliptical pattern over the tower. The remainder of the exterior will consist primarily of black aluminium finishes coupled with grey tinted glass.

<h2>Central Park</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image28_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected view from Central Park. Image courtesy MCR"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="397" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_0.jpg?itok=xYcN9pH6" title="Expected view from Central Park. Image courtesy MCR" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Expected view from Central Park. Image courtesy MCR</figcaption></figure>Encompassing a greater area than just the tower's footprint, 429-437 Docklands Drive will see an elongated basement/services level under what will become yet another park for Docklands. Dubbed 'Central Park' and covering approximately 2,000sqm, the majority of the park will be accounted for by open lawn.

In addition to expected art installations, the park will include rain gardens, native plant species plus feature garden beds. Subject to further design, 'Central Park' would be delivered in conjunction with the tower component.

<blockquote>
The Urban Park has been designed in a manner that will provide an inviting, highly adaptable area of public open space that will be able to be utilised for community events while also providing smaller spaces that can accommodate community events such as markets and art exhibitions. The park will achieve the objective of providing a focal point for New Quay Central that is pedestrian in scale.
<cite>Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

With construction commenced on the adjoining Promenade and Aqui residential towers, 429-437 Docklands Drive and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/projects/elm-stone-387-docklands-drive-docklands">387-395 Docklands </a><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/projects/elm-stone-387-docklands-drive-docklands">Drive</a> shape as MAB Corporation's next residential releases within their NewQuay precinct. To date eight residential towers have been completed by MAB Corporation since construction of NewQuay's initial buildings began in the early 2000s.
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MAB Corporation's Lot C edging closer to reality

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A long and winding road persists regarding <a href="http://www.mcbridecharlesryan.com.au/" target="_blank">McBride Charles Ryan</a>'s intriguing design for Monash University's new state-of-the-art teaching and learning centre located within the Caulfield campus' Western Precinct. Although The Law Business and Economics Complex (LBEC Building) is still on track, construction remains at least one year away.
Post the 2012 announcement of McBride Charles Ryan successfully snaring the commission, the intended project program has progressed to the point where approved design development is due this month. With the development's progression tied to a major fundraising campaign, construction tenders are tentatively due early next year with early works potentially beginning April 2015 according to project consultant <a href="http://www.citylab.com.au/" target="_blank">Citylab</a>.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/MCR-A-Views-Hero.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective from Dandenong Road.. Image © MCR"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="724" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/MCR-A-Views-Hero.jpg?itok=voJPqyG2" title="Hero perspective from Dandenong Road.. Image © MCR" width="580"></a>
<h2>Project Summary</h2>
<ul>
<li>
		Monash University Law Business and Economics Complex (including MBA)</li>
	<li>
		10 levels, 28,000 sqm space</li>
	<li>
		Target = 6-star Greenstar As-Built rating</li>
	<li>
		Western Plaza including 3000 sqm of retail outlets</li>
	<li>
		Total project cost approximately $150 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>External Excess</h2>
The design was submitted to the 2013 World Architecture Festival under the Future Project Category. The <a href="http://www.worldbuildingsdirectory.com/" target="_blank">World Buildings Directory</a> carries the following excerpt describing the exteriors:
<blockquote>
	Monash LBEC complements this assemblage with an entire building as a beautiful wall. The complex mediates the interface with Dandenong Road with a highly formed and articulated concrete panel cladding, protecting the northern aspect from acoustic and thermal considerations in a play of lightness and solidity. Facing the pedestrianised public realm of the Western Plaza, the wall exhibits a 3-dimensional complexity: it is permeable and fragmentary.
	At the western interface, the meshing of these two conditions integrates the heritage facades along Derby Road, providing Monash Caulfield with a street front address, as well as signifying a memorable ‘gateway’ to the precinct – a sentinel in the suburbs – acknowledging passing traffic and facing the Melbourne CBD.
</blockquote>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mumcrImage30.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="External renders. Image © MCR"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="480" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mumcrImage30.jpg?itok=01CpBJFJ" title="External renders. Image © MCR" width="580"></a>
<h2>Warning: Contains Architecture Lingo</h2>
Of the internal layout, one can only assume the architect provided this description:
<blockquote>
	Activities within the complex are distributed according to their preferred aspect and temporal considerations. The planning is distributed around four atria aiding passive ventilation of the internal environment. Two of these are located at the periphery of the complex and act as an environmental buffer to the adjacent office environments.
	Facing and north and west (respectively), these atria incorporate shading and glazing strategies to harness the heat generated immediately within the building fabric to induce air movement drawn from passively preconditioned sources, assisting greatly with the thermal comfort of users.
	The shared learning and teaching spaces are stacked vertically between the faculties, combining formal and informal learning environments and establishing a direct interface with the Western Plaza.
</blockquote>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mumcrImage33.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Internal renders. Image © MCR"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mumcrImage33.jpg?itok=7Gm-N1Z2" title="Internal renders. Image © MCR" width="580"></a>
McBride Charles Ryan have the Midas touch permeate all their designs and the LBEC Building is no exception. I'm sure I speak for all when I say just build it already!
Further reading &gt; <a href="http://www.worldbuildingsdirectory.com/project.cfm?id=5115" target="_blank">World Building Directory project page</a>
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McBride Charles Ryan

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