Yarra and Brougham

Client | CONFIDENTIAL

TYPE | Architecture

SECTOR | Residential

STATUS | Design Development

Location | GEELONG, VIC

HEIGHT | 42 m, 12 Storeys

SCALE | GFA: 20,602 SQM, SITE: 2,077 sqm, 118 APARTMENTS

Fluidity of form anchored by Geelong's industrial heritage.

Our key design driver behind Yarra and Brougham was considering how we would connect the multi-residential development to Corio Bay.

We explored ways we could play with the fluidity of water and the robustness of Geelong's urban fabric to create a landmark development, representative of its local context.

Comprising three interwoven structures, the central building features an organic form, tastefully articulated with nautical-inspired design elements such as warm-hued screening, drawing cues from the hull of a timber boat. This corner element is bolstered by two concrete rectilinear volumes, which act as a transitional element and are reminiscent of Geelong's industrial roots.

Project Lead, Nic Antoniou, explains, "Water conforms to the vessels holding it, and this building encapsulates this as the fluid prominent corner flows through the robust bookends."

The design creates a cascading waterfall effect, stepping down in height towards the bay, responding to Geelong's new urban design framework.

At ground level, the podium is clad in elongated Krause Emperor bricks, with sculptural columns featuring a curved cut-out, forming a surfboard-shaped void.

The idea was to create a distinctive loggia that would be embraced by the community, with moments of intrigue. The site posed a unique opportunity to capture northern bay views, which we aimed to maximise for all residences.

After exploring several configurations, we unlocked the potential of the site by providing two banks of north-facing apartments in a U shape, whilst ensuring privacy of open spaces. This design approach also presented us with the chance to incorporate several private terraces, as well as generous communal spaces for residents to gather.