Bird de la Coeur Architects

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661 Chapel Street in South Yarra is the first Australian project of the Malaysian-based developer Gamuda Land.

Completed ahead of schedule in 2018, 661 Chapel comprises 116 one, two, three and four bedroom apartments across 30 levels and was designed by local architecture firm Bird de le Coeur.

We recently spoke with Gamuda Land’s chief executive officer Mr Ngan Chee Meng to discuss the luxury development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=600]

JR: What are the highlights of 661 Chapel and what attracted buyers to the project?

NCM: Like us, our buyers are enamoured with the unique panoramic views of Melbourne CBD and the Yarra river - all set behind the green of the Melbourne High Oval. It’s a view you can fall in love with a few times in a day.

But they are also keen-eyed buyers and are aware of the value that the heritage zone in front of 661 Chapel St plays in safe-guarding these unobstructed views.

Besides, buyers love the community spaces that are mindfully designed and placed within the development such as a grand library in the lobby, the lounges and cinema at level 6, private dining rooms as well as a wine room. In a lockdown, these community spaces provide extra convenience for residents to work-near-home without having to leave the development.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/661-chapel-street-south-yarra"><img alt="" height="1114" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/661_chapel_copy_2_0.jpg" width="1200"></a>

JR: What was the brief for 661 Chapel St for architects Bird de la Coeur?

NCM: Creating a community is an important factor in all Gamuda Land projects so the brief to BDLC is that 661 Chapel St being a high-rise building, must be designed as a vertical village with common areas that enhances resident interaction.

The ground floor features generous shared communal spaces - including entry through a sculpture walk, a library with a dramatic onyx window wall, a shared kitchen table for coffee and newspapers, and a boardroom facilities.

Level 6 is a whole floor of mind and body fun including a lounge and deck, a wine room, two private dining rooms, gym, a cantilevered 25m pool with sauna and steam room, as well as a Richard Serra inspired cinema.

JR: Where did buyers come from, and who was the development appealing to?

NCM: Initially, we saw a strong 30 per cent take up from our followers from Malaysia because of Gamuda Land’s reputation for developing quality residences. But since completion, the majority of our buyers have been locals as seeing is believing. Our buyers are mainly down-sizers, 
affluent young professionals and successful business owners who appreciate the value that 661 Chapel St brings and the rarity of a quiet residence with a never-to-be-built-out view.

Our strategy to deliver a touch and feel product before traditional pre-sale requirements allowed us to reach these markets for which seeing is believing.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/661-chapel-street-south-yarra"><img alt="" height="1052" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/661_chapel_copy_0.jpg" width="1200"></a>

JR: Where is current buyer enquiry coming from?

NCM: Due to the pandemic and lockdown duration, we saw a spike in enquiries via digital platforms such as Urban.com. We are expecting this trend to be dominant moving forward.

JR: Are there any other residential developments in the pipeline?

NCM: Gamuda Land is exploring new opportunities in Australia, particularly Melbourne and is actively canvasing. We’re working with local partners to identify projects to deliver high quality, liveable and future-focused products.
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661 Chapel in South Yarra is the first Australian project of the Malaysian-based developer Gamuda Land.

Joel Robinson

What buyers need to know about 661 Chapel Street South Yarra: Developer Q&A with Gamuda Land CEO Ngan Chee Meng

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Gamuda Berhad through its local arm Gamuda Land has recently settled its first flagship Australian development at 661 Chapel St, South Yarra.

661 Chapel St represents the group’s first foray into the Australian market and the Bird de le Coeur designed development comprises 116 apartments across 30 levels with views tht extend over the heritage-listed Melbourne High School, the Yarra River and beyond to the Melbourne CBD skyline.

Believing in the quality of the project with its location, never to be built out views and strong design credentials, Gamuda Land bullishly began construction in April 2016 prior to launching the project, despite the usual 60% pre-sales required by Australian banks to commence construction.

The penthouse for 661 Chapel St is expected to fetch a record $22m and is being sold as a shell with David Hick’s engaged to design the fit-out, so the purchaser can completely customise the residence.

The penthouse is a 792 sqm residence over 3 levels and the design currently includes: 

<ul>
<li>3 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms</li>
	<li>Sauna</li>
	<li>Steam and shower room</li>
	<li>Gym and yoga room</li>
	<li>Cinema</li>
	<li>Study</li>
	<li>Wine cellar</li>
	<li>Butlers pantry (with secondary fully functional kitchen)</li>
	<li>Rooftop bar and private pool with courtyard</li>
	<li>Sweeping views from the CBD right out to the Dandenong ranges</li>
	<li>93 sqm of balcony space and 82 sqm of rooftop</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gamu9654_661_penthouse_in06_penthouse_retreat.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The fit-out for the penthouse is completely customisable and has been designed by David Hicks. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="271" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gamu9654_661_penthouse_in06_penthouse_retreat.jpg?itok=vH5sMpjj" title="The fit-out for the penthouse is completely customisable and has been designed by David Hicks. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The fit-out for the penthouse is completely customisable and has been designed by David Hicks. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au spoke to Gamuda Land CEO Ngan Chee Meng prior to the official launch party to discuss 661 Chapel St, the penthouse and the companies ambitions for further development opportunities in Melbourne.

Urban.com.au: What was the appeal of Melbourne to Gamuda Land and more specifically South Yarra as a suburb?

Ngan Chee Meng: We see Australia, particularly Melbourne as a highly sought-after destination given its long-standing reputation as the world’s most liveable city, quality education and economic stability.

Location is key in our selection for development. We have found South Yarra to be one of the suburbs that could provide a fulfilling lifestyle given its convenience to our residents, with its close proximity to the CBD, public transport network, surrounding areas of greenery such as Royal Botanical Garden, Yarra river; artisanal cafes, boutiques and restaurants all within walking distance.

South Yarra also has a long-standing reputation as a highly sought after suburb, being in the inner east pocket of Melbourne and surrounded by other reputable suburbs such as Toorak.

UM: 661 Chapel St has a strong theme of artwork embedded in the design of its spaces from the moment you arrive, with Gamuda working closely with Andy Dinan of Mars Gallery. What was it like working with Andy Dinan?

NCM: We selected Andy and her gallery to curate the artwork in 661 Chapel St given her experience and background in public spaces. We had also wanted a selection of artwork that showcases works from emerging Australian artists that we believe will be a value add and worthy investment for the development.

We worked hand in hand with Andy and her team, as well as Bird de la Coeur, the project architect in curating the artwork selection in 661. It was a carefully thought out process and it was a pleasure working with them, we are very pleased with the outcome.

UM: With the majority of 661 Chapel St selling locally and to owner-occupiers, what is the expectation for the sale of the penthouse?

NCM: With the sheer scale of the penthouse, we anticipate it will likely attract an owner-occupier, who may have business interests in Melbourne given its inner urban location, or use the penthouse as a secondary or additional residence for their interests/family use.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gamu9654_661_penthouse_in03_penthouse_kitchen.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="David Hicks has designed the penthouse which is being sold as a shell. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gamu9654_661_penthouse_in03_penthouse_kitchen.jpg?itok=iXEOo8sk" title="David Hicks has designed the penthouse which is being sold as a shell. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The penthouse has expansive views of the CBD skyline. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>UM: David Hick's will be on hand to customise the design of the penthouse which is currently being sold as a shell. What was the process for selecting David and what factors influenced your decision for selecting him?

NCM: We wanted David to design this penthouse as a ‘one-off’, one-of-a-kind penthouse for 661 Chapel St. While he is a local Melburnian, David’s vast international experience is also a key factor in our selection. We felt David understood what a 
penthouse of this calibre could look like for not just the local market, but also those from overseas, whether it is in Asia, Europe or America given his experience, diverse yet distinctive style.

UM: The views back towards the CBD over Melbourne High are unlikely to ever be built out? Do you see this as a major selling point of the development?

NCM: Definitely. Being in this pocket of South Yarra and Melbourne itself, not being built out is a rare luxury. There are not many developments that can offer never to be built out views and not have the residents look into the next building/apartment in their surrounds from the apartment. This has been one of our strongest selling points.

UM: Gamuda Land has already expressed a desire to develop further projects in Melbourne. Is a return to South Yarra on the cards or is Gamuda looking all over Melbourne for opportunities?

NCM: Being our maiden project in Australia, we wanted to build on our experience here. 661 Chapel St is a considerably smaller project for us when we compare it to what we have in our portfolio, but it is a good stepping-stone for us and allowed us to meet the market’s needs.

Moving forward, we will definitely continue to look for opportunities in Melbourne, and we are in the enviable position to handpick strategic landbanks with great potential to be transformed into value creating assets.
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Laurence Dragomir

Gamuda Land settles on 661 Chapel Street, launches penthouse

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Gamuda Land has overseen 661 Chapel Street's delivery and will this month welcome the tower's first residents.

The developer's first foray into the Australian market has seen 661 Chapel Street positioned as one of Melbourne's elite residential developments. The flagship project caters specifically for the owner-occupier market, with a pared-back number of apartments plus expansive communal facilities reflective of this.

Sales figures for the project reflect Gamuda Land's positioning of the project; owner-occupier overwhelmingly account for the majority of buyers with 15% of purchasers flowing from New South Wales.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_0398.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="661 Chapel Street standing above its neighbours"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="836" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0398.jpg?itok=Ltxw8r9U" title="661 Chapel Street standing above its neighbours" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>661 Chapel Street standing above its neighbours</figcaption></figure>Gamuda Land initiated its maiden Melbourne project by securing the site along with a permitted Bird de la Coeur Architects-designed scheme, and went about rejigging the internal spaces within the design. In the process, the development's permitted 169 apartments were amalgamated and expanded to yield a final figure of 116.

With the financial weight of parent company Gamuda Berhad behind the project, construction was initiated during April 2016 prior to development's sales campaign; head contractor Crema Constructions and project manager/superintendent PDS Group guided the project to completion one month ahead of schedule.

Gamuda Land's willingness to begin the physical delivery of the project early is now bearing fruit, racking up a string of sales in recent weeks as buyers now have the luxury of inspecting the final product.

Sales for 661 Chapel Street have now surpassed 70%.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_0402.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level lounge and library"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0402.jpg?itok=KGXCYUG2" title="Ground level lounge and library" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level lounge and library</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au toured the completed project last week just prior to the initiation of settlements.

A grand porte-cochère leads into the concierge area and a string of communal facilities across the ground floor. In line with the project's stature, the finishes are elegant and spacious, with a collection of artworks curated by Mars Gallery soon to take their place.

Urban.com.au <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/gamuda-land-engages-mars-gallery-to-curate-661-chapel-st">spoke with Mars Gallery Director Andy Dinan</a> earlier in the year regarding the growing trend of collaborations within shared spaces which has in turn created a growing number of opportunities for artists to be brought on for commissioned work in a curatorial, or consulting role.  661 Chapel Street is very much active in this sense.

The Grand Library, in particular, is an area "designed to capture light and create a sense of calmness." 'The Relic' - a cardboard sculpture with an industrial aesthetic by acclaimed artist Daniel Agdag who works entirely in cardboard and is known for his attention to detail, will feature in this space.

According to Dinan, it was critical that the artworks selected were 'an appropriate fit for the spaces.' In the context of the Grand Library this extended beyond The Relic to the adjoining wall, which will feature a print of a photo by Agdag while a catalogue of his work will also sit within the space.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_0408.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="661 Chapel Street's pool which cantilevers above the Port Cochere"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0408.jpg?itok=JwbE86T3" title="661 Chapel Street's pool which cantilevers above the Port Cochere" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>661 Chapel Street's pool which cantilevers above the porte-cochère</figcaption></figure>Beyond the statement Grand Library, further amenities include a meeting room, multiple dining areas, cinema, sauna and an outdoor barbeque area. Also present is an extensive wine cellar capable of holding thousands of bottles.

Most impressive though is the cantilevered pool which from below juts out above the project's entrance and frames the 30 level tower form above.

All communal areas and western-facing apartments will maintain unfettered view toward Melbourne's skyline, owing to the adjacent heritage-listed Melbourne High School and sporting oval. The apartments themselves are finished to a high quality and have extracted the most space from the tower's curving form which has resulted in almost triangular living areas.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_0412.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A completed apartment interior"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0412.jpg?itok=YOqJRuI9" title="A completed apartment interior" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A completed 661 Chapel apartment interior</figcaption></figure>Gamuda Land has flagged an announcement and further information regarding 661 Chapel Street's immense penthouse later this month. It is expected the crowning residence will be positioned as one of Melbourne's elite living spaces.

On the back of the success of 661 Chapel Street, Gamuda Land have confirmed they intend to seek out further Melbourne projects. Although no specific sites are in the developer's keep, they continue to run the ruler over prospective projects across Melbourne which would be in line with the standing of the completed South Yarra development.

A push into other Australian markets is also being considered.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_0413.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="661 Chapel Street's skyline view is equal to any "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0413.jpg?itok=YWwKrEkn" title="661 Chapel Street's skyline view is equal to any " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>661 Chapel Street's skyline view is equal to any</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Gamuda Land seeks further Melbourne development opportunities as 661 Chapel reaches completion

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City of Port Phillip have fielded a fresh planning application that seeks to further expand the footprint of high-density towers away from St Kilda Junction.

Bound by St Kilda Road and Blanche Street, 331-335 St Kilda Road would sit south of Inkerman Street, and appear as the only building of its size in the area. Immediate apartment projects that have come to fruition along Inkerman Street sit within the 5-7 level range.

Developer Beacon Builders are behind the proposal which was submitted during August, and see architects Bird de la Coeur take the design lead. Thus far Moonee Ponds' LEX Apartments with 56 dwellings ranks among Beacon Builders more notable projects.

<h2>331-335 St Kilda Road application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image9_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the proposed building. Plannin image: BDLC"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="353" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_9.jpg?itok=rFR7HoG6" title="Artist's impression of the proposed building. Plannin image: BDLC" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the proposed building. Plannin image: BDLC</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>2,543sqm site currently utilised as a Habitat HQ hostel</li>
	<li>Proposed dual buildings of 6 and 13 levels/39.6 metres</li>
	<li>156 dwellings: 3 x studio, 51 x 1BR, 99 x 2BR, 3 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Single retail/cafe space of 61sqm</li>
	<li>Three basement levels include 157 car parks, 175 bicycle bays, nine motorcycle bays and 156 stores</li>
	<li>Outdoor recreational area to the western boundary</li>
</ul>
In preparing the application's town planning report, Meinhardt Group assert the following:

<blockquote>
The proposal is consistent with the strategic planning policy for the area established by the relevant State and Local Policies of the Port Phillip Planning Scheme. The development addresses the strategic directions and policy objectives through supporting a diversity of housing on a strategic redevelopment site within good proximity to transport, services and facilities, and respecting the residential interface along Blanche Street through a lower built form and responsive articulation and design to reference the streetscape rhythm.

The overall height is considered reasonable having regard to the strategic significance of St Kilda Road, the limited amenity impacts caused by the proposed height, the context of the surrounding area which includes land identified for significant redevelopment within the Mixed Use Zone and Commercial 1 Zone, the existing apartment buildings approved within the precinct, the quality design aesthetic.
<cite>Town planning report for 331-335 St Kilda Road, Meinhardt Group</cite>
</blockquote>

Visually 331-335 St Kilda Road is broken to represent a solid base, which transitions to a perforated top. Brick is prevalent over lower levels and is reflective of the surrounding urban context. The proposal's upper levels feature vertical fins assembled across the facade with a series of colour changes designed to break the building's bulk and appearance.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image16_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="331-335 St Kilda Road compared to the area's tallest approved tower"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="288" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16_8.jpg?itok=M24kPiTT" title="331-335 St Kilda Road compared to the area's tallest approved tower" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>331-335 St Kilda Road compared to the area's tallest approved tower</figcaption></figure>In recent years a crop of mid and high-rise apartment buildings have sprung up closer to St Kilda Junction. At present the largest approved building in the area is Plus Architecture's <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/8-12-punt-road-st-kilda">8-12 Punt Road</a> which covers 96m and encompasses 203 dwellings.

331-335 St Kilda Road's height and location well south of the Junction makes it a trailblazer of sorts.

Should it gain approval it would likely set a precedent for future developable plots in the vicinity, in terms of height expectations and overall density. Beacon Builders at the very least hope that their application may well become a new design beacon within St Kilda.
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