In the soon to become most populated city in the nation, where the rate of new developing is seemingly at a rate where our tradespeople can barely keep up, it’s the desire for pioneering buildings with lifestyle at the fore that seem to particularly stand out. Looking across the metropolitan area, we’ve identified four of the true front-runners in terms of lifestyle experience, that are relatively new to the market or coming soon.
Sapphire by the Gardens – Carlton 3053
If you’ve spent any time around the north of the city recently, you’ve probably noticed two colossal towers with that unique gold framed connecting passageway rising at a rate of knots. It’s called Sapphire by the Gardens, and its pairing tower, 5-Star Hotel Shangri La. With eventual heights of 232 and 222 metres, the towering presence is most notably capped off with the iconic skybridge. The connecting walkway between the luxury apartment precinct and 5-Star hotel is intended as a way for all to interact with the stellar amenities and services. With a collaborative design by Fender Katsalidis and Cox Architecture, the north and east facing residences are set to be celebrated with views over Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building. Offering more bicycle accommodation than vehicle, Sapphire by the Gardens encapsulates the modern-day city developments focus on an all-encompassing lifestyle; featuring amenities such as a yoga room, piano room, karaoke room and 25 metre heated swimming pool.
YarraBend – Alphington 3078
Mind boggling to think of the cost of the extraordinary 16.46-hectare site that features close to a 300-metre frontage of the Yarra River, YarraBend is on a scale without par. Functioning as a paper mill since 1919 and inaccessible to the public, developer Glenvill’s vision is to create YarraBend into the premises of its own riverside suburb with cutting-edge amenities and a park-like nature. Leading future consultants, The Future Lab, named YarraBend as the future ‘world’s most liveable suburb’ in 2018. Aiming to create the complete lifestyle within the development that shapes around 6 main precincts, YarraBend comes complete with four parks, an outdoor cinema bookable via the app, an innovative co-working space, an artisanal food district curated by famed Australian chef Scott Pickett and massage rooms in the state-of-the-art health and wellness centre.
The P.M. Apartments – Port Melbourne
In a world where ‘first-class’ lifestyle amenities usually mean something like a 20-year-old pool, small gym with 2 treadmills and an unappetising outdoor area with a dodgy barbeque, The P.M. development in Port Melbourne stands as one the best fully functioning lifestyle developments in the state. Set in an impressive beachside position with coveted proximity to the CBD, this stunning development flaunts architectural flair and designer Jack Merlo landscaped gardens, while setting new benchmarks with its extensive internal landscape, infinity pool, rooftop pool & bar, ability to order room service from the neighbouring restaurant, business lounge and bookable entertainment spaces.
Merri Northcote – Northcote 3070
Set on the banks of Merri Creek, Merri Northcote sets to become a pioneering contemporary residential experience with its focus on sustainability and nature. A mix of apartments and split-level homes, the residences here are highlighted by their surrounds of local bushlands and low-rising cottages maintaining the untarnished ambience. With architecture from Six Degrees and landscaping from Taylor Cullity Lethlean, what truly sets Merri Northcote apart is the sustainable commitment in delivering homes of 5 Star Green Star standard and over a 7 Star average NatHERS rating. Set up with rooftop solar panels to power the homes and their induction cooking facilities, each home is to operate 100% energy-emission free.
Apartment developments are truly evolving into more than accommodation but a focus on luxury, reduced carbon footprints and lifestyle. So, the benefit of buying ‘new’ is contributing ethically to the overall environment, knowing that you’re saving energy and resources through the building and actual living within the complex and gain bragging rights between your fellow inner-city living mates. While the amenities and finishes are of the highest quality, you may also need to consider how well will my property age, will the amenities be of real use to me, and is the building sustainable for the long term within the forever-changing environment?
At least for now, these four apartment complexes are seriously impressive.
