Taking pride of place

The city of Melbourne is known for its culture, art, shopping, tree-lined boulevards and historic architecture. In the development of Balencea, a high-rise apartment building on prominent St Kilda Road, much attention has been paid to this lifestyle and Melbourne's environment, and the building has been designed to fit with this essence.

Balencea is positioned on one of the last available north-facing corner sites on this renowned boulevard. The 23-storey building was developed through the collaboration of two property groups, Sunland Group and Pellicano Group. Sunland Group's managing director Sabha Abedian says the site allows access to many interesting parts of Melbourne.

"The botanic gardens, Albert Park and Fawkner Park are all within walking distance. There are also many large secondary schools, and some defining cultural landmarks Federation Square, the new National Gallery of Victoria, the Shrine of Remembrance, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl all within easy reach."

Balencea is also in close proximity to Southbank, the Victorian Arts Centre, Albert Park golf course, Crown Casino and luxury shopping complex, Toorak Road, Chapel Street, Prahran and the South Melbourne markets.

With just 84 apartments in Balencea, Abedian says the focus is on the size, rather than the quantity, of apartments.

"There is an average of only four apartments per floor. Of the 84 apartments, six are one-bedroom, 12 are two-bedroom, 44 are three-bedroom, 18 are sub-penthouses and two are penthouse suites, situated on an entire floor with 360Ë views."

The apartment building was designed through a partnership between Sunland Group's Sunland Design and Wood Marsh Architecture. The design is based on a sculptural form, created through a series of interlocking arcs that are developed into a fluted extrusion.

"The elevation of the structure looks different from any two perspectives, due to its distinctive form. Balconies are recessed to preserve this profile. The building's sinuous exterior footprint means that corridors of space are opened up inside and residents are greeted with unexpected views of historic buildings and parkland areas," says Abedian.

The curved exterior is replicated in the apartment interiors, where sweeping curves envelop the perimeter of each floor. Interior colour palettes are rich, with polished textures, created through timber veneers and stone. Renzo Piano-designed Smeg appliances are a feature of the kitchens.

Bathroom designs combine classic elements with contemporary, which is a trademark of the interior designers, Hecker Phelan Guthrie. These rooms are softly lit, and make use of light fixtures that are reminiscent of chandeliers. Louis XIV-inspired vanity benches are offset by mirrored walls and clean, off-white floor tiles.

The building also has many facilities, such as a heated indoor swimming pool, modern gymnasium, private residents' entry, and 24-hour concierge and security. At street level, a cosmopolitan restaurant provides space for relaxed outdoor dining.

Sunland Group has been involved in many internationally renowned projects, such as the Palazzo Versace hotel, residential building Q1, and YVE, also on St Kilda Rd, the winner of the 2006 Victorian Architectural Medal and the Harold Desbrowe Annear Award Residential. YVE was also a collaboration between Sunland and Wood Marsh.

For more information, contact Beatrice Imbert from the Sunland Group, phone (03) 9825 4700, fax (03) 9825 4777. Or visit the website: www.balencea.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas