The newest addition to Melbourne’s stunning Docklands precinct has proven that magnificence can go hand in hand with timeliness. The $83 million project HarbourOne has been completed one month early, bringing with a keen Melbourne style and a number of awards.
The brainchild of Brookfield Multiplex and architectural firm Plus Architecture for the MAB Corporation, the multi-residential space is host to 329 apartments over its 22 levels and an additional 5 storey building which plays host to 28 5-star serviced apartments in both one and two bedroom form. The apartments will range from studio to two bedroom layouts, with the main tower also including a ground floor lobby, gymnasium, commercial and retail space, four levels of car parks and an audio visual lounge.
The design team describes the building’s façade as “simulat(ing) water and movement, featuring a unique ‘ribbon’ detail that climbs and curls around the slender apartment tower to form a distinguishing wave effect”, which is made up of aluminium glass and seems only fitting for HarbourOne’s waterside location.
Design quality has obviously not been forgotten in light of the project’s speedy delivery. The early finish may, however, be a result of the structural materials used. The bulk of the structural form has been created using reinforced and post tensioned concrete slabs and steel, with precast vertical elements that may have been the developer’s secret weapon to running a month early.
“Much to the delight of the client the early completion of the HarbourOne project facilitated an earlier than anticipated opening of the new serviced apartments, resulting in fully booked accommodation during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival and subsequent Melbourne events” says Graham Cottam, Regional Managing Director of Brookfield Multiplex for Victoria.
In addition to being a structurally sound and efficient project, the design incorporates sustainability aspects, which have amounted in the building being awarded with the VicUrban Award of Merit in addition to meeting the Association of Building Sustainability Assessors environmental standards. These include the implementation of solar hot water generation and what the company has labeled ‘sensitive urban design initiatives”.
What is significant about this build, more than its design or construction acumen, is that the project developers have placed the needs of the client as their number one priority. In going beyond contractual expectations, the client’s needs are met causing them to reap the rewards of one month’s extra business, in turn, solidifying the project developers reputation as ideal industry figures. In an industry where reputation is paramount and a business climate where the industry is facing a huge amount criticism over inefficient and badly managed construction work, the only way to instill confidence in clients is to go beyond the status quo.
