Why owner-occupiers love The Docklands Residences: Urban chats with architecture firm DKO and Capital Alliance founder Mohan Du
Move-in date is approaching for buyers in Melbourne's latest Docklands apartment complex, The Docklands Residences.
The 88 apartments have been built above a 200 room Marriott Hotel, the first built in Australia for over two decades.
It allows apartment buyers access to onsite amenities rarely seen in regular apartment developments across the country.
They will be able to enjoy the use of 5-star hotel amenities including a spectacular infinity pool with views across Melbourne, its adjoining pool bar, a gym, sauna and spa, as well as Marriott’s hotel services such as room service, concierge and housekeeping.
Urban recently spoke to Jesse Lindardi, director at architecture firm DKO, and Mohan Du, founder and chief executive of Capital Alliance, about The Docklands Residences design and why the Docklands area was chosen for the development.
JR: What was the brief DKO Architecture were given for the project?
JL: The brief was to create a sleek and modern hotel that boldly illustrates the evolution of the 5-star Marriott brand while providing integrated residences where owners can experience all of the amenities a premium hotel can provide.
The result is a distinguished design housing 200 first-class hotel rooms as well as 110 contemporary residences across dual towers.
JR: Where was the inspiration from the design drawn from? Any building/experience in particular?
JL: To find inspiration for the form of the building, we only had to look at the luxury yachts around Docklands. Our architecture is imbued with a similar elegant, curved design.
A translucent screen wraps around the building, providing winter gardens enclosed in glass, with the curved façade providing multiple and enviable aspects of the water, the city and the Bolte Bridge. Sleek, sculptural, sophisticated - the architecture of Marriott Docklands presents a new landmark of luxury inspired by the timeless style of the city at its door.
JR: What was the most difficult part of the planning process?
JL: The most difficult part of the planning process was ensuring the building didn’t negatively affect the street’s pedestrian experience.
The building’s form and orientation were carefully considered to minimize overshadowing to the nearby NewQuay Central Park, while wind studies determined a more curved form to enable wind to flow around the building, rather than deflecting down to the street.
JR: How important are the amenities to a project like this?
JL: Extremely. There’s an aspiration and expectation from a luxury brand like Marriott – and this is experienced as soon as you walk in the door. Melbourne-based artist, Alexander Knox, has created an impressive sensory public art installation within the lobby. The remarkable large-scale, multi-media piece draws reference from the site’s history and reflects the unique character of its location.
Not only are there ground-floor restaurants, executive facilities and state-of-the-art function spaces, but sitting high at level 15 is a chic bar capitalizing on the building’s spectacular views. And you can’t forget the stunning rooftop infinity pool. The hotel will be a flagship in Australia and a true example of the Marriott brand’s sophisticated style and innovative functionality.
JR: Was the plan always to have an open rooftop infinity pool?
JL: There was a desire to create something spectacular for the pool. From 15 storeys high, visitors and residents can take in the wonderful 180-degree views of CBD and Yarra River with the vanishing edge giving the impression you could paddle out among the skyscrapers. At night, tiny fibre optic lights at the base of the pool twinkle to spectacular effect – the perfect place to sip a poolside cocktail.
JR: What was so appealing about the site and/or the Docklands area?
MD: Docklands was always touted as the Waterfront City, often compared to areas nearby Darling Harbour. Needless to say, Docklands has had its difficulties and stigmas. However, it's evident Docklands has changed drastically over the last 5 years.
As a new business at the time, this was an opportunity for us to stand behind and create something that would positively contribute to this fantastic suburb. Therefore, the most appealing aspect of the site was that when no one wanted to invest in Docklands, we saw that as an appealing opportunity. We have taken this approach to all our projects.
JR: What are the benefits for buyers/residents in a mixed-use hotel development?
MD: All residents living atop 5-star Melbourne Marriott Hotels Docklands will be able to get exclusive Membership access to a range of services and amenities provided by the hotel. This includes the use of the infinity pool, pool bar, gym, spa, and room service - all with strict adherence to conditions.
Having access to all these services and amenities right at your doorstep offers a unique convenient lifestyle, which we have seen become desirable in other metropolis cities like New York, London, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
