A futuristic new three tower residential development is planned to rise from the old ABC Studios site in Toowong.
Sunland, the developer behind Abian and Q1 has engaged world renowned Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid to design the trio tower complex which will be named Grace on Coronation.
The site includes a heritage building known as Middenbury Home, which will be retained in the future development which could become a restaurant, cafe or gallery.
The heights of the towers range from 22 to 25 storeys.
Sunland managing director Sahba Abedian said the proposed development would breathe new life into the historic riverfront site.
“Our vision is to create a vibrant urban village which sensitively activates its urban and riverfront context through compelling architecture and landscape design,” Mr Abedian said.
“Importantly, it is a vision that opens up the site to the broader community through the creation of expansive public parklands, a riverside viewing platform and the transformation of Middenbury into a meaningful public space.”
Mr Abedian said each of the three residential towers would feature a unique multi-layer facade design comprising a curtain wall glazing, overlayed with a quilted diamond pattern made from glass reinforced concrete.
“The result is an organic, sculptural design reminiscent of a flower in bloom,” he said.
“The smoothness and elegance of the design is unlike anything Brisbane — or Australia — has ever seen.”
Zaha Hadid, founder of Zaha Hadid Architects, said: “The design tapers each structure to minimise their footprint and open the riverfront to the public to create a vibrant civic space for Toowong within a new riverside park.”
Building Mix Breakdown:
Tower A/B
- 1 Bedrooms: 20
- 2 Bedrooms: 66
- 3 Bedrooms: 40
- (126 total)
Total for tower A & B: 252 Apartments
Tower C
- 1 Bedroom: 130
- 2 Bedroom: 104
Total for tower C: 234
Design Statement:
Zaha Hadid Architects’ proposal for the subject site is a response to Sunland’s ambition to create an urban park within a site that is unique to the city of Brisbane. Its direct access to the river and the presence of a heritage building demand an approach which opens the ground plane without compromising the development of the site.
The above considerations lead to the distribution of built programme in three towers, with a unique tapering feature at the ground interface to minimise tower footprints and to enhance visual permeability and pedestrian circulation.
Access to the site is provided along Coronation Drive and Archer Street, with both points of entry directly leading to the basement car park to minimise vehicular flow within the site.
A new pedestrian and bicycle link is provided off Coronation Drive, resolving the current narrow path along the main road, gently sloping through the new park. The site is conceived to offer different levels of experiences and amenities to residents and external visitors alike, also offering direct access to the riverfront for the general public.
The discretely located facilities dedicated to the towers and the dynamic extension to the heritage building will also benefit the greater community and enhance the site.
The highly distinctive architectural form of the towers is inspired by urban massing considerations and directly derived from internal layouts and visual access to the subject site’s unique views. These sculptural elements will establish a new local point of reference and identity, contributing to the legibility of Toowong as a district centre.
The DA number for this development is (A003953028).
No…seriously how closed minded are you?