Dramatic design meets luxury and sophistication at Luminary – a distinctive arrival in Hawthorn and a defining presence on a prominent site in this prestigious Melbourne suburb. Luminary offers 20 generously sized apartments and four penthouses.
This high-end residential development is geared towards downsizers who wish to live within Melbourne’s inner-eastern suburbs, yet still desire all the qualities of a spacious, detached home – but at a more affordable price point. Every dwelling was custom designed with the purchasers and as such are a collection of individual homes under a common roof.
The design concept sought to incorporate the characteristics of the surrounding residential dwellings into a multi-residential development with the large apartments and outdoor spaces inspired by the nearby Hawthorn home. The leafy, secluded terraces reflect the adjoining backyards and provide a generous and inviting open space for residents. The two- and three-bedroom apartments feature spacious living areas, modern kitchens and comfortably sized bedrooms – many complete with walk in robes. Each residence overlooks the nearby parks and heritage rooftops.
The residences offer either two or three bedrooms along with a large covered balcony and terraces with planters to the exterior. Each apartment has allocated parking and solid storage cages. The four penthouse apartments also have allocated lock up garages. The shared facilities add to the sense of luxury and modern communal living with an incredible custom-designed wine cellar located on the ground floor featuring allocated wine lockers for each resident – a little something different for those fortunate to live in one of these luxury apartments.
Luminary was a design collaboration with Mim Design who undertook the interior concept. Internally, each residence features generously sized floor plans and a range of customized lighting and joinery features.
Fronting Church Street, the ground floor entrance sets the tone for the residences above with the grand lobby beckoning residents and guests inwards. At once spacious and homely, the lobby features warm lighting, routed panelling and luxurious furnishings. Framing the entrance are two retail tenancies – one with provisions for a food and beverage outlet.
Luminary is at once a dramatic statement and a perfect fit. The sweeping, curvaceous form of the façade injects an exciting edge into this spectacular architectural design, yet the muted materials palette integrated with touches of greenery articulates a design response that is mindful of the existing neighbourhood architecture of this prestigious Melbourne suburb.
How is the project unique?
The distinct architectural language of the Church Street interface emphasizes horizontality and the expansive qualities of the apartments within. Along Simpson’s Place, the façade echoes the adjacent townhouses through the materials palette and three storey masonry wall punctuated by a series of dark framed opening elements.
The unique, yet complex, façade was created using a mix of Glass Reinforced Concrete and Aerated Autoclaved Concrete panels. The selection of the material was dependent on the complexity of the façade. The three-dimensional curvature of the front façade required GRC while AAC was used for the less complex façade to Simpson’s Place. The changes to the finish were minimized by the application of a finish to both materials to create a seamless architectural expression.
Who are the clients and what's interesting about them?
The client is renowned property developers the Lechte Corporation. As one of Melbourne’s leading developers, Lechte Corporation are known for developing quality residential and commercial projects in premier locations. Plus has previously collaborated with Lechte Corporation to deliver a number of projects across Melbourne.
A true testament to the care and dedication of property developers, the Lechte Corporation, the developer offered each apartment purchaser a one on one meeting with Plus to discuss any purchaser variations and customizations to suit their specific needs. This ultimately led to the amalgamation of apartments and adjustments to the interior fit out – ranging from simple finishes or appliance changes to full interior redesign and custom joinery units.
What are the sustainability features?
In consideration of the environmental impact from multi-residential apartments, all Luminary residences include double glazing (also to minimise noise pollution from passing trams). PV (photovoltaic) cells are installed on the roof alongside tanks to capture rainwater for reuse to toilets.
Client: Lechte Corporation
Builder: Ironside
