Design brief: How the Rothelowman-designed One Coburg Quarter came together
One Coburg Quarter, the first building within the new Coburg masterplanned community, has been designed as a cultural focal point for the north of the precinct.
Comprising 125 one and two-bedroom apartments, the development sits within Future Estate's $1 billion project on Urquhart Street.
Masterplanned by Rothelowman, the design response references the colourful industrial past of Coburg, taking shape around the old Pentridge prison and its signature bluestone.
“Inspired by its context, the strong horizontal manifestation of the bluestone and mortar courses is reflected in the articulation and expression of the new façades”, the architects said.
Remnants of the 19th century Pentridge buildings, the bluestone borders the site on three sides and harmonises the old and the new.
“Drawing inspiration from the iconic boroughs of New York City and London, our vision for Coburg Quarter is of a new urban community with soul, creativity and a genuine sense of neighbourly spirit”, Future Estate managing director, Ben Anderson, noted.
Though while it has a reverence for the mixed-use precincts that help to define these international cities, Coburg Quarter’s identity is truly “Northside,” a natural extension of Brunswick, Northcote and Fitzroy.
Passing through the heritage walls, residents will entire a landscaped courtyard into a living lobby, designed to be synonymous with a luxury hotel.
Communal and garden spaces on ground level, and a sky garden on level eight complements the European-style central square aimed to engage with the broader community.
The project will integrate residential and commercial aspects, with future development plans for a new hospital and aged care.
Spacious floorplans characterise the One Coburg Quarter homes, capturing incredible views and maximising light through full-height windows and clever design.
Its sculptural form extends from its façade into its communal areas, with the rooftop space featuring sculptural forms that contrast the robustness of the older heritage fabric.
Offering 148 apartments, the multi-unit development boasts enviable amenity, including residents bar, lounge, library and roof garden.
Buyers can feel at ease knowing their home is soon to be a part of the comprehensive Coburg Quarter masterplan, connecting Melbourne’s northern hub to the future.
