Reservoir Reflection one of suburban Melbourne's largest proposals
Long thought of as a site prime for high-density development, 830 Plenty Road is again subject to a planning application which would radically alter the local landscape should it gain approval. The 10,194sqm land parcel atop reservoir's Summerhill Village currently sees a variety of vacant low-rise buildings languishing onsite, with all set to make way for 326 dwellings.
Project manager and development manager Ouson Group is behind the proposal which would see four separate apartment buildings delivered along with 17 townhouses under the moniker reservoir Reflection.
830 Plenty Road planning application summary
- Application lodged 29th June with Darebin City Council
- Site area: 10,194sqm
- Four apartment buildings of up to 12 levels
- 326 apartments: 73*1BR, 15*1BR+S, 194*2BR, 24*2BR+S, 20*3BR
- 391 basement car park spaces & 106 bicycle spaces
- Retail and recreational uses at ground level
Design impetus
Urban.com.au spoke with project point Architeria Architects to gain an insight into reservoir Reflection:
Our response to the clients's brief to develop this site, situated next to a recently developed shopping precinct, was to exceed their expectations by designing a landmark apartment complex which includes over 320 apartments and townhouses along with over 1000 Sqm of retail and commercial space.
Communal areas such as a swimming pool, lush landscaped gardens, barbecue and play areas, all enrich the compound. reservoir Reflection is aiming to introduce signature architecture to the rapidly growing and changing suburb of reservoir in Melbourne. A rhapsody of architectural elements and materials create an exciting mix of twisted cubes, glass curtain walls, metal cladding and coloured concrete.
My vision was inspired by the movement of waves and their reflection. I pictured falling dices wrapping along Plenty Road, creating that landmark for reservoir.
Mel Gawi, Principal Architect, Architeria Architects
Key to the design is a reflective purple facade band which is designed to stand out as the signature element of the proposal. Loosely designed in a horseshoe configuration, the buildings surround an internal amenities area which are akin to resort facilities in their design and quality.
Second time lucky
The site in question does have a planning history with approval in recent years for a Fender Katsalidis-designed dual tower scheme. Consisting of 294 dwellings and with the taller tower at 16 levels, the Fender Katsalidis design would have seen 273sqm or retails space and 424 car parking spaces included.
Both the initial Fender Katsalidis design and current reservoir Reflection represent a marked change to the character and scale of the locality, although reservoir Reflection's development team have held design meeting with Darebin City Council prior to it's submission in the hope of expediting the planning process.
With 326 dwellings included, Reservior Reflection shapes as one of suburban Melbourne's larger apartment projects, and one that would sit prominently atop the Summerhill Village precinct.
