Making your mark

When a developer wants to safeguard an upmarket residential district from a potentially substandard development, one solution is to buy that particular building and create more premium apartments.

Stamford Land Corporation did just that. It acquired a 12-level office building across from its existing high-rise apartment development in Sydney's CBD and then created Stamford Marque.

General manager of Stamford Property Services, Stamford Land's development and construction subsidiary, Anthony Rice, says the area is recognised as a prestigious location for residential apartments in Sydney's central business district.

"Its appeal is the close proximity to the CBD centre on one side, and the Sydney icons on the other, which ensures there are great views from the development."

Rice says architects Kann Finch Group were briefed to make the most of these views and create generous-sized, high-end apartments that would appeal to owner occupiers.

Architect Ron Keir says the brief also called for privacy and quiet.

"We designed a floor plan that included two to four apartments per level, with two penthouses, and with dual views from most apartments. Angled blades on the exterior of the building guide the line of sight and provide privacy in places where neighbouring buildings are close by.

"The apartments are very spacious, with higher than average nine-foot ceilings and open-plan living spaces that extend onto large terraces.

"We kept the floor plan clean and symmetrical. This design arrangement is ideal for those owners who want to purchase two adjacent apartments. In this case, purchasers are able to consult with the designer for a suitable layout."

Keir says the apartments' spaciousness is emphasised by large sliding glazed doors that open to generous terraces and provide an abundance of light. The timber flooring in the low and mid-rise apartments extends from the interior to the terrace. Large sliding doors and windows allow wide views, fresh air and natural light.

"We used timber floors to create that 1940s classic New York apartment feel," says Keir.

"Acoustically, the difference is that these floors absorb sound, due to a thick rubber mat underneath the wood. The apartments are fitted with 10mm-thick glazing to maintain quiet."

Although Sydney has moderate weather, the windows help maintain a consistent temperature. Keir says the need for air conditioning is further minimised by the dual aspect of the design.

"As there is a cross-flow in most of the 83 apartments, there is a steady supply of natural fresh air and ventilation. This is both economically and environmentally friendly."

Keir says another distinct feature of all the apartments is the manually operated louvres on the terraces that can be completely stacked away.

"These movable louvres allow the outdoor space to be opened and closed, to give privacy or shade and to adjust the panels for the best view."

He says this is typical of the flexibility that makes Stamford Marque apartments comfortable, convenient and modern.

Another example is in the extensive lighting, which is programmable and installed with dimmers in all rooms.

The kitchen gets the same standard of finish, including 30mm-thick natural stone tops, 25mm-thick timber cabinetry and polyurethane or timber joinery, which Keir says will last for many years.

"The result is that not only do the apartments look well-appointed, the fittings will last."

The two penthouses occupy the top three levels of the building, which includes a roof terrace with individual lap pool.

The building also includes a communal pool, a lobby with a concierge and function space, plus a 10-level deep car park with car lift access.

Rice says most of the 83 apartments have been sold since completion in November, but a few one- and two-bedroom apartments remain for sale.

For more information, contact Stamford Property Services, PO Box 845, Double Bay, NSW 1360, phone (02) 9362 2012, fax (02) 9362 2015. Email: anthonyrice@stamford.com.au. Website: www.stamfordmarque.com.

Story by: Trendsideas