Victoria One towers over Melbourne CBD

Architect: Elenberg FraserAbout the project: We used to be told that we would love every piece of Victoria, and Elenberg Fraser has taken this on board. You can now find every piece of Victoria in our new building Victoria One, on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD.

Our first project with developer Golden Age marks the next chapter in Elenberg Fraser’s story of rejuvenation for Melbourne’s northern corner.

The form and façade of this mixed-use tower recalls Victoria’s famous landscapes – the gardens, waterfalls, rainforests, waterways and beaches that make up this southern state. The fluid façade appears soft and yielding like the local parks, oceans and rivers. Green glazing with gold highlights gives a botanic feel.

The fins – which appropriately also assist with wind and sun protection – are shimmering silver, shifting like the currents of a stream or leaves being shaken with rain. The story continues inside, as the fins peel away from the diagonal corners of the building, exposing the life within.

You’d never guess, but the building contains automated car parking concealed behind a layer of apartments in the podium facing Elizabeth and Franklin streets. These activated facades keep the inhabitation of the building alive, adding vibrancy day and night. You enter into Victoria One through the tactile lobby area, with the best of nature and artifice. Polished stone, forest green soft furnishings, rolling lighting installations and digital interfaces create a sanctuary and meeting place.

For residents of the 629 apartments, there are three floors of communal spaces that again touch on the great outdoors and give a sense of community within. Mid level offers a pool, sauna and steam rooms and a fitness club, with views across the market, out to the Macedon Ranges and across Melbourne.

There is also a garden lounge retreat and dining facilities with a kitchen and bar. Way up top there are lounge spaces and television screens to catch up on your favourite film or series. The palette of materials is inspired by the environment outdoors with elemental tones and textures – earth, rock, water and vegetation.

There’s those of us who dream about spending nights in the wild, under the stars – we’ve created something that comes pretty close, only better. If you loved every little piece of Victoria, then you’re bound to love every little piece of Victoria One.

Story by: David Renwick