Melbourne's Southbank to Host 25-Story Industrial-Inspired Tower
A collaboration between FK and LAS Group has proposed a 25-story residential tower at 38 Clarke Street in Melbourne's Southbank. The tower will include 188 one- and two-bedroom apartments and features a unique sculptural design. Positioned at the corner of City Road and Clarke Street, the tower's angled facade creates an interplay of light and shadow. The project aims to offer a dynamic residential option in a highly sought-after city center location.
In contrast to the predominantly glass facades of neighboring buildings, 38 Clarke Street embraces the industrial heritage of the area. The lower levels of the building draw inspiration from the local 19th-century architecture found on City Road, incorporating red brick detailing and arched windows.
FK's associate principal, Kianson Tay, emphasizes the importance of designing a tower that respects the site and its surroundings while providing a fresh and timeless experience for residents. The heritage of the 19th-century masonry warehouses on City Road offers an opportunity for contemporary reinterpretation. The design showcases tactile materials and brickwork detailing that will age gracefully over time.
The tower consists of two interconnected forms, with the masonry base transitioning to a lighter and more delicate expression through warm-colored concrete blades with an oxide finish.
Due to its location within Melbourne's flood zone, the Southbank area presents design challenges to ensure flood resilience. To address this, the ground floor of the building was elevated 2.5 meters above street level. The lower ground level, at street level, includes resident amenities such as a dedicated bike lobby and parking area, pool, and gym.
To enhance the pedestrian experience along the street frontages, the design incorporates human-scaled elements and detailed craftsmanship. An off-form concrete canopy and arched brick bay windows pay homage to the area's industrial past and add architectural interest at street level.
The top of the podium features a lush native garden bed designed by Tract Landscape Architects. This green space provides a visual connection to nature for residents and neighboring towers while enhancing the site's ecological value.
Sustainability measures aimed at achieving a 5-star Green Star rating include a bike-friendly lobby with extensive bicycle parking, exceeding typical allowances with over 200 spaces. This encourages the use of cycling infrastructure and reduces reliance on vehicles. Additionally, the all-electric building incorporates distinctive angled fins that passively reduce solar heat gain.
LAS Group spokesperson, Les Smith, highlights the high demand for one and two-bedroom apartments in the Southbank area, particularly at a mid-tier price point. The partnership with FK, experts in tall buildings, aims to realize designs that respect the area's heritage and create a sense of home in one of Melbourne's most desirable locations, just 1km from the CBD.
Source: Build Australia
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