Owner Knows Best: Apartment Architecture Driven By Demand In Melbourne

Demand for larger living spaces, spacious kitchens and extra storage all within easy access of the city, is driving changes in apartment developments in Melbourne thanks to a surge in owner-occupiers and downsizers shifting to apartment living.

Boutique developments in Melbourne’s middle-ring suburbs that have been specifically designed to suit owner-occupiers are reportedly selling out within weeks of launch.

Metro State Manager David Steele said demand in Melbourne from owner-occupiers, including downsizers and young professionals, was a driving force behind the design and architectural decisions across its developments.

“Our project design briefs focus on accommodating key features and qualities that we know owner-occupiers want and expect when they are looking for the right place to buy and live in,” Mr Steele said.

Metro’s recently completed project, The Lincoln, in South Yarra, was one such project to experience the influx of buyer interest based on its architectural themes.

Mr Steele said The Lincoln was designed to suit the owner-occupier market and sold out very quickly due to the design of the apartments - the apartments were larger with good sized living areas and kitchens with island benches.

"We also focused on providing large useable outdoor areas and paid particular attention to the projects external finishes to ensure the building was not only functional, but presented well in the surrounding streetscape," he said.

"The interiors were designed to be sophisticated and timeless but not polarising.”

The development was carefully created to reflect the sleek sophistication and elegance of its inner-city location. The style of each apartment was crafted by Nexus Designs and complimented with lighting by Christopher Boots.

“We wanted to create a real point of difference and sophistication for The Lincoln and we achieved this by engaging renowned designer Nexus Design who have vast experience in high-end developments,” Mr Steele said.

“It was also important for lighting to be a key aspect of the design, rather than just an afterthought.

The development, which includes 38 one, two and three bedroom apartments with a variety of floorplans available across four levels, was built by Melbourne builder Cobild, who completed construction of The Lincoln late last month.

Metro is currently underway with the Highbury Townhomes at West Footscray, and Stage One is due for completion and settlement from June.