Skyline sculpture

At a time where urban consolidation is de rigueur for developers and urban planners, modest-sized units often hold sway. However, a visionary project by a forward-looking developer and architect can combine the utility of inner-city space with a high-end lifestyle.

The sight of a gracious sweep of glass rising like a sculpture on St Kilda Road signals a spearhead for inner-city, refined apartment living. Internationally renowned developers Lustig & Moar, in partnership with Macquarie Real Estate Equity Funds (MREEF), have created a dynamic residential building that offers an opulent, contemporary lifestyle.

Lucient's arching front facade reaches 20 levels into the sky, yet with only three or four apartments on a typical floor, owners feel as if they are in their own private world. Such is the attention to detail at Lucient, it is as if the tower had been built by hand. Besides all the features and generous individual apartment sizes, Lucient offers spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay and towards the city, says group manager Carolyn Febey.

"The grandeur of the light-filled lobby sets the scene for the visionary concept of architects the Buchan Group, and interior designers Heitz-Parsons-Sadek," says Febey. "Graceful pillars of mother-of-pearl and expanses of polished stone floor in the foyer are an indication of the quality and style that lie ahead."

The address alone gives Lucient a head start in offering a lifestyle less ordinary. The building stands on the iconic, tree-lined St Kilda Road and is positioned within a garden setting. This is in close proximity to Albert Park Lake, with St Kilda beach, the fashion houses of Chapel Street and South Yarra, and the buzz of the CBD only 15 minutes away by tram.

Views from Lucient apartments are across Albert Park Lake to Port Phillip Bay in one direction, and towards the city and the Dandenong Ranges beyond in the other. In addition, it is five minutes' walking distance to the shops, bars and cafes of Domain Road and the Royal Botanic Gardens, as well as the open parklands of Faulkner Park, and renowned public golf course Albert Park Golf.

Lucient also offers easy access to the CBD and the southeastern suburbs, as St Kilda Road is a major artery for public transport and road traffic.

The apartment tower itself has a full concierge service and Smartcard parking, and a Health Club with 25m lap pool, and a fully equipped gymnasium, together with a sauna and steam room.

Lucient has a 5-star energy-efficiency rating, offers a minimum of two carparks plus a storeroom for each apartment, and boasts a state-of-the-art security system. In addition, ground-floor offices bring integrated working and living options for owners.

Mirrors and timber panelling are used to create an elegant entry to each of the 53 apartments and penthouses. C-Bus systems bring fingertip control over all electrical appliances, while washed lighting highlights the natural granite benchtops and stone floors. All bathrooms are fitted in Italian marble, and double spas feature in all master suites.

One standout amenity is the full-height, fully operable glass winter garden found in each apartment, facing St Kilda Rd to the east and overlooking Albert Park lake to the west. This offers a year-round indoor-to-outdoor living experience, allowing residents to make the most of Melbourne's changing seasons.

For details, contact the Lucient Sales Office, Suite G04, Ground Floor, 434 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, Vic 3000, phone 03 9866 6388. Or visit the website: www.lucient.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas