Paragon
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Paragon is a residential building on a prized corner of Melbourne’s CBD that tells a multi-layered narrative of the city’s past, present and future.
Designed for metropolitan living, Paragon creates a sense of identity for its residents by transforming a piece of the Melbourne cityscape into an urban sanctuary.
Location
Melbourne, Australia
CLIENT
Beulah International
COST
$110 Million
GFA
24,604sqm
COMPLETION
2021
TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS
Wurundjeri people
-
The Urban Developer Awards, Finalist - Development of the Year - High Density Residential, 2022
-
World Architecture Festival, Shortlisted - Completed Buildings - Housing, 2022
-
Interior Design Excellence Awards, Finalist - Residential Multi, 2021
-
Urban Development Institute of Australia VIC Awards, Finalist - Excellence in High Density Development, 2020
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Previously the home to Melbourne’s Celtic Club, the facade of the original heritage building was respectfully protected, restored and celebrated.
The glass tower rising above it features an elegant Celtic-inspired diagonal grid patterns across the reflective surface. Adjacent to the heritage facade at ground level, a regular grid reflects the datums of the traditional architecture, but in a minimal more orthogonal manner.
Though the tower rises to 48 levels, it has a deliberately small-scale residential density. The original scheme of 280 apartments was reduced to 227 to allow for with a maximum of 6 apartments per floor.
Site constraints meant that floor plates are shallower than typical apartments, allowing for greater levels of natural light and excellent corner vistas.
The implementation of a vertical solar panel system boasting 128 panels spanning 158sqm installed on the core walls proved not only innovative, but to be an attractive value-add and offer an energy cost savings.
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Urban Forest
Unfurling across three storeys, a living green element serves as the backbone of all the common linked areas. This conservatory-like space provides relief between the main tower and heritage facade. The lush sanctuary, complete with refined terrazzo and outdoor seating, offers a tranquil escape from the bustling streetscape below.
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Communal Spaces
A wellness oasis offers an array of luxury amenities for rest and relaxation, and a series of formal and informal zones blur the line between the public and private domain to present an exclusive club for residents.
High quality amenities are a core benefit for users of the building, providing a place to gather, meet, and form community. Groups can occupy the space and enjoy the variety of uses, including a fully equipped gym, swimming pool and entertaining areas. Extending the amenity further, a library, private theatre and screening lounge add a high level of detail and function.
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photographer: Willem-Dirk du Toit