Melbourne apartment of the week: Willow Brighton

Samuel Property's latest development, Willow Brighton is architecturally-designed by Bayley Ward, with grounds by Acre Landscape. Willow Brighton is inspired by nature, with elements of modern art deco opulence. Recently we caught up with Illan Samuel, Managing Director of Samuel Property to learn more about the vision behind the project and some of its best selling points.

Urban.com.au: Where did you draw inspiration for Willow Brighton from?

Illan Samuel: We drew inspiration from the immediate surroundings. Willow is located on a boulevard style tree-lined side street and there is some fantastic historic Brighton architecture also nearby. We took the inspiration from this location and fussed it together with more progressive overseas architecture that features the use of arches together with more progressive landscaping.

We also worked hard to understand the way the sun and wind interface with the site, how to maximise light, airflow and green aspects - both looking in and out of the residences.

The development was always considered with the end-user in mind and how they would live in the spaces.

U: What is the price range of the apartments and are the floorplans flexible?

IS: A range of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom residences are available with pricing starting from $2.175 to $6.495m (penthouse).

Yes, floorplans are flexible, although we have worked with Bayley Ward to design them to incorporate features and apartment sizes that we believe will accommodate buyers requirements. 

As part of the "Samuel Standard", we always work closely with any buyer to make customised modifications to suit their brief - a significant advantage to purchasing off the plan with an experienced developer.

U: What were the top 5 features you decided had to be included in the development and why?

IS:

1. Vast light-filled spaces with high ceilings flowing seamlessly into outdoor terraces. Why? Because everyone wants natural light together with a sense of space and functionality (indoor/outdoor). 
2. A living experience where the ritual of bathing, eating and preparing food - are prioritised. Why? Because these tasks should be celebrated and enjoyed on a daily basis.  
3. Intelligent and elevated living that is fundamental yet comforting at every turn. Why? Progressive design that thinks about how people truly live and what matters on a daily basis.
4. A material palette inspired by simplicity, purity and integrity. Why? Creating spaces that are both functional, calming and will have longevity only benefit the occupant. 
5. Biophilic Design. Why? We understand the benefits of having a connection to nature on human well-being creating spaces to come home to, unwind and relax. 

U: What do you think buyers love the most about Willow Brighton?

IS: At first, the location - being one of the best of Bayside. Close proximity to begin your day with a walk on the beach or coffee at the neighbourhood cafes along Church St. If City life is on the agenda - a simple train ride with the station only a stroll from Willow is an easy feat. The location is incredibly strong as evidenced by the 85-point "walk score", which is well above average. The location is close to everything, yet not too close where you feel you can't escape back to your private sanctuary. 

As they begin to understand the offering other key aspects will begin to be apparent. The high attention to detail from Samuel. and the design team, the strong track record of current and completed developments and the consideration to the design intent. 

U: If you had to choose your favourite aspect of the building, what would it be?

IS: The Arches. The combination of the feature terrace framing, wrapped in soft landscaping, custom "bagged" brick facade with the deep reveal architect detail.

It sets the building apart from others in terms of the commitment to a timeless high-quality design using materials that are locally sourced and highly durable and non-combustible. 

U: What makes Willow Brighton stand out from other properties on the market?

IS: The overall offering - which takes out the risk for the buyer whilst making the process an enjoyable one, rather than daunting and perhaps scary.

The experience of Samuel Standard as the developer and ability to work together pre-purchase, during construction and post via The Samuel Stand and Samuel Aftercare. 

In other developments. these aspects are unknowns and that only amplifies the risk for the purchaser.

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