Freeman Group reveal Bridge + Palmer, Richmond apartment development
Developer Freeman Group is set to introduce a boutique collection of inner-city apartments in the heart of Melbourne’s lifestyle and sporting precinct.
The Lara Architect-designed Bridge + Palmer will comprise just 12 apartments across a contemporary seven-level building in Richmond, above the Bridge Road streetscape near where the Yarra River splits Richmond and Hawthorn.
The introduction of warm timber finishes on the canopied ground level softens what is instead a raw, red-brick-heavy facade—a nod to Richmond's industrial history and surrounding brick warehouses and buildings.
Architecture firm LARA Architects says the character of Richmond is "diverse but groovy, chaotic and unexpected."
"That is the motto of our design," the Carlos Lara-ran practice noted.
"Embracing the diversity and character of its location, Bridge + Palmer is a welcome addition to the eastern end of Bridge Road."
They said the project manages to settle seamlessly in its location, with materials that speak of its contemporaneity as well as its role as a landmark for future developments.
"The introduction of timber finishes softens its presence and welcomes residents and visitors alike. A ground floor retail space ensures activation. A canopy conceived as book match to the ground floor elevation, and the ground floor facade finishes provide consistency and clean lines for a consolidated design approach, contributing to the streetscape at ground level.
"The upper levels are finished in a combination of red bricks that speak of the site's industrial history, in a nod to the surrounding brick warehouses and buildings that form the fabric of Richmond. The building is set back at the sixth storey, where a communal room and outdoor space provide residents with an entertainment area all year round, with city views on top of one of Melbourne's busiest streets."
Inspired by the rich historical tapestry of Richmond, Bridge + Palmer’s interior stylings merge heritage and modern luxe with a chic palette of materials that appropriately reflect its lively locale.
"Our interior design scheme is lively and warm, which reflects this character-filled neighbourhood," Katrina Hooker of KHID Interior Design said.
A consistent muted green palette and wooden material are a focal point for every space in the home.
The open living, dining, and kitchen area lends the active spaces of the home spacious and easily extendable to the outdoors via the north-facing balcony overlooking Palmer Street’s treetop views.
Bridge + Palmer is just 13 minutes from the CBD, and only eight-minutes from Australia’s greatest sporting events at Melbourne Park, AAMI Park, and Melbourne Cricket Ground.
