Skyline sculpture

Lucient 430 St Kilda Road presents a dramatic sculptural addition to the Melbourne skyline. What is more, aesthetic splendour on the outside goes hand in hand with expansive, sumptuously appointed living spaces on the inside.

The Buchan Group is the architectural firm that designed Lucient, in collaboration with US interior design firm Heitz Parsons Sadek, and landscape designer Tract.

Project director and designer David Cole says he sought to create an individualistic building by taking inspiration from the natural forces that govern design aesthetics.

"Our vision has been to create a development that explores natural sculptural forms, yet still recognises on-site virtues," says Cole. "It was imperative to achieve maximum site presence, while also adhering to the consistency of scale along St Kilda Road."

Lucient's translucent, sail-like facade has a shimmering mosaic finish created with a clever use of clear glass operable louvres, to complement the visual depth of the building's exterior.

"Our vision for this east-facing facade was to create a bold urban gesture to St Kilda Road and to Toorak Road directly across the intersection," Cole says.

"Lucient challenges the trend towards small units and it is refreshing to create apartments that will bring an iconic sense of grace to Melbourne's city centre," says the architect.

One of Lucient's key points of difference is its winter garden concept, a signature feature that invites the outdoors in. Created by the mechanically operable louvres on the building's curved facade, and measuring the full width of each apartment, the winter garden is effectively a very large indoor-outdoor dining area. Residents can open their living space out to the vibrancy of St Kilda Road or the bay side, or choose to keep the area enclosed, according to the weather conditions.

"The best of everything has gone into the design and fit-out of these apartments all have generous living areas and 2.9m-high ceilings," Cole says.

The vast entry lobby leads to individual living spaces with entry powder rooms, real-flame fireplaces and, in a typical apartment, three bedrooms with three ensuites or bathrooms.

Each apartment offers high-end features and finishes, including Miele kitchens, walk-in robes and vanities supplied by premium Italian company Poliform.

For further information, contact The Buchan Group, phone (03) 9329 1077, fax (03) 9329 0481. Email: tbg@melbourne.buchan.com.au, or visit the website: www.buchan.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas