Award-winning architecture and interior design studio, K.P.D.O. is set to transform St Kilda Road’s famed Fawkner Centre as it unveils the designs of Melbourne’s most premium apartment development known as The Fawkner.
Kerry Phelan and her design team will retain the former 1970s commercial office building’s structure, located at 499 St Kilda Road, Melbourne that spans 18 storeys, but will completely revision the façade and the interiors to deliver hotel-inspired living for Melbournians.
Phelan says the parkside location has been the source of inspiration of the development that will feature a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments with a façade adorned with a sophisticated symmetrical glass.
“We have designed a reflective facade that is slightly angled which will mirror sky and trees. It will respond to the changing light conditions from dawn to dusk as well as the changing season.”
“Our client insisted on keeping the building’s shape, and rightfully so with its beautiful high ceilings that are today considered a rarity for many apartment developments,” says Phelan.
In designing the 253 exclusive apartments, K.P.D.O marries two design inspirations. Firstly, the type of park-side living which has been made famous by the likes of New York and London, and secondly, the very best hotel travel experiences.
The lobby has been imagined as an active extension of each apartment for the residents to socialise but also to welcome guests with style. With a dedicated porte cochere entrance on St Kilda Road, the lobby will offer a 24-hour concierge service and will feature a large open fireplace, beautiful bronzed walls that are complemented with lavish leather furniture to make residents feel at home as soon as they arrive.
“We have brought to The Fawkner the best combination of hotel experiences and apartment living. It embodies a sense of luxury at every touch-point, coupled with the drama expected upon arrival to a five-star hotel.”
“The concierge is key to adding to this experience where guests are greeted with a champagne in front of the fireplace while they wait for you to welcome them through your residence. Living at The Fawkner will be a memorable experience with all who interact with it,” says Phelan.
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The ground floor features exclusive resident-only facilities including communal meeting areas, a movie theatre and an extraordinary wine room that houses 96 cellars.
The rooftop located on level 7 will be transformed into a retreat-like sanctuary with a 20m-long infinity pool that overlooks St Kilda Road, spa, sauna, steam room, gym, relaxation decks and sumptuous indoor courtyards complete by Oculus Designs. A dedicated space is also available for kids to enjoy and play safely.
Natural light will flood through each of the residences with floor-to-ceiling windows that open out onto beautiful balconies to maximise the views of nearby Fawkner Park, the CBD, Port Phillip Bay, Albert Park and beyond.
For the interiors, K.P.D.O. has selected two colours palette, light or dark, and distinctive finishes that are truly timeless with a high-end luxury appeal. Both palettes will feature oak floors, stunning granite, caramel joinery and bronze details.
The kitchens are adorned with beautiful caramel or smoke tan-coloured timber joinery with custom-made long rod handles and soft grey cupboard interiors. The benches and splashbacks are carved in beautiful black and white granite. A strip of deep navy trimmed with a sliver of white along the bottom creates the perfect finishing counterpoint.
Each apartment will feature Gaggenau kitchen appliances and optional appliance upgrades such as a Leibherr refrigerator and wine fridge, Miele washing machine and dryer, heated towel rails and make-up mirrors.
“To maintain the balance between utility and aesthetic, we have created a unique design for each of the interiors that carefully integrates well-considered design without compromising on space,” says Phelan.
Bronze shower screens and terrazzo walls and floors have been applied to the bathrooms along with granite vanities that continue the luminous aesthetic of the kitchens.
Each bedroom includes wool carpets in either a neutral grey or beige with the spacious wardrobes features a granite base that carefully store everyday essentials such as shoes.
The crowning jewels of the development are the double-storey penthouses located on levels 18 and 19 with generous outdoor spaces that overlook Fawkner Park, Albert Park Lake and the CBD. Five apartments located on the ground floor will have exclusive private access directly onto to Fawkner Park.
The generous residences are priced from $435,000 to $5 million and range in size from 56.4sqm to 545sqm.
The Fawkner is located at 499 St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Construction of the development is scheduled to commence in late 2015 and anticipated for completion by early 2017.
The development, valued at $300 million is a joint venture between leading real estate investment firm, Qualitas, and respected developer, LAS Group.