A recently completed project in Brisbane’s inner south-east is transforming Woolloongabba through the creation of a landmark pedestrian laneway, an example of modern place making that adds significant amenity to the area.
Designed by Rothelowman, the first two stages completed at Aria Property Group’s Woolloongabba project, Eden Lane and Ivy Terrace, delivers 106 apartments positioned in the café and retail precinct of Woolloongabba.
“This development makes some really important urban design contributions in terms of place making by creating a pedestrian laneway link between Hubert and Gibbon streets," Rothelowman Associate Simon Maurice said.
“We’ve created a landscaped public thoroughfare with retail stores and appropriately scaled pedestrian spaces.”
The new laneway, known as Eden Lane, has attracted retail tenants including 31 Degrees Custom Chocolates, Jimmy Rod’s Barbers and café Day Made, which is operated by renowned Melbourne-based roaster Coffee Supreme.
The overall project will deliver four boutique buildings, each with their own architectural expression and unique identity.
The first two buildings, Eden Lane and Ivy Terrace, share a densely planted brick podium that responds to the scale of the surrounding streetscape and connects seamlessly with the adjacent laneway.
The lush podium landscape of the adjoining residential buildings steps down to the laneway with the threshold marked by a custom entrance known as Venice Gate.
“The gate is inspired by an art piece at the Venice Guggenheim and is the first of many art installations to be realised in the public laneway,” Mr Maurice said.
Designed by Rothelowman and fabricated by a local blacksmith, the gate features a spider’s web of hand-beaten wrought iron and naturally occurring crystals to celebrate the gateway to the private landscaped podium above.
“The gate is inspired by the idea of a secret garden; it is an outward facing piece of art for the public passing through to admire, while giving residents a unique moment of transition between the public and private realm,” Mr Maurice said.
The Eden Lane and Ivy Terrace buildings were designed to be reminiscent of a gorge carving through the centre of a solid geometric form, eroding to create the two towers.
Within this ‘gorge’ plants, water, landscape structures and private amenities form an internal focal point and communal hub.
Nestled between the two unique towers, which share a common residents’ podium, is an expansive outdoor living area on offer to residents.
“Through our design we have delivered a multi-residential building that can enjoy the sub-tropical environment of the area. The lush lawn area, pool and barbecue facilities create a high functioning communal area to enjoy Brisbane’s year-round good weather,” Mr Maurice said.
Aria Property Group Residential Manager Brent Liddell said the project was well received from buyers with all apartments sold prior to construction completion and 100% have now settled.
"Units in the letting pool experienced strong demand with all apartments leased within an average of 5 weeks from settlements at 5.2 per cent gross yield.”
Future stage developments include the Akira and Lexington buildings, which are due for completion in mid 2017.
