How a small Spanish city influenced the design of Brisbane's newest apartment development
When Australians head to Europe for the summer, their preference is to head to the popular haunts of Capri and Mykonos.
Not many venture to the south of Spain, or to the small city of Murcia, the seventh most populous city in the country. It's around 200km south of Valencia, and 400km from Malaga to the south and Madrid to the north.
But it is Murcia, known as 'Europe's Orchard' due to its long agricultural tradition and its fruit, vegetable, and flower production and exports, that inspired the design of Brisbane's newest apartment development, aptly named Murcia Residences.
Developer Sarazin gave HAL Architects the brief to focus on the architecture, flora, and fauna of Murcia when putting together the plans for the new landmark development footsteps from the iconic Gabba.
The result is a Mediterranean-influenced design that complements Brisbane’s subtropical climate.
Sarazin State Director, Adam Rainbird, says the vision with Murcia was to challenge the conventional design and delivery in the Brisbane market.
"What we've tried to do is take this Mediterranean inspiration from the region and blend it with something that is not only unique but also feels at home in the subtropical Brisbane environment," Rainbird says.
"This is evident in the materiality of the building, which incorporates a carefully curated palette of colours, landscaping, and vertical elements, including breeze blocks and sun shades. These architectural features are not only functional but also help define Murcia’s distinctive aesthetic."
The landscape design, led by Andrew Green of Wild Studio, plays a central role in Murcia’s overall vision.
"The design philosophy is about creating a series of heavily landscaped spaces where people can connect, interact, drink, and enjoy life," Green explains.
This extensive greenery extends throughout the development, from ground-level laneways to balconies, green facades, and rooftop spaces.
More than 3,000 plants will contribute to a lush and verdant setting, providing a natural response to Brisbane’s climate and reinforcing the Mediterranean theme.
The Mediterranean influence extends to the rooftop which will home a heated infinity pool, cold and warm magnesium plunge pools, spa, sauna, bookable private dining room, work-from-home spaces, fully equipped gym, and various outdoor alfresco spaces and BBQ areas.
Murcia, under construction by building giant Hutchinson, will comprise 210 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, plus a 700 sqm office tenancy on the second floor, a public art gallery and 300 sqm of retail on the ground floor.
Its prime location on Overend Street will put residents just 500 metres from the Cross River Rail station which will open in 2029. Once operational, this will enable residents to travel from Woolloongabba to the heart of the Brisbane CBD in approximately 90 seconds.
Murcia is expected to complete in mid-2027
