Icon Co.

<html><body>
It's a very definitive time in the apartment cycle across Melbourne where major planning applications and completions are diametrically opposed.

Major planning applications over the course of 2017 have been rare as hen's teeth, but the number of apartment project reaching completion is spiking as the stock sold over recent years becomes reality. Three such major projects have moved past practical completion and are now accepting residents.

Beyond their intended purpose, these three have also taken their place in Melbourne's design landscape; each has a distinct design identity and are positioned to make the most of imposing views across Melbourne.

<h2>Gravity Tower</h2>

Fishermans Bend's first high-rise project, and any project of note within the urban renewal area for that matter, is now complete. Gravity Tower consists of 144 apartments for prolific developer Blue Earth. 

Urban.com.au covered the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/planning-application-91-montague-street-south-melbourne">initial planning application</a> during August 2013, and the tower's <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/fishermans-bends-first-project-breaks-ground">move to construction</a> during late 2015, anointing it as the urban renewal area's first project to reach construction.

Gravity Tower's strong vertical there is clear for all to see, given the project has no high-rise competitors in sight. Its northern facade is dominated by offset fins alternating between one and three floors in height, which band together to create a chevron pattern.

Critical to the Plus Architecture-designed tower's expressive facade, the fins also serve a more practical purpose in that they're angled in such a fashion to allow for maximum shading. Little more that finishing touches to Gravity Tower's ground floor will see it fully complete.

<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/gravity1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Gravity's facade and ground level"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="266" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gravity1.jpg?itok=RySHMRTv" title="Gravity's facade and ground level" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Gravity's facade and ground level</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Location: 89 Gladstone St, South Melbourne</li>
	<li>Developer: Blue Earth</li>
	<li>Architect: Plus Architecture</li>
	<li>Builder: Hamilton Marino</li>
	<li>Construction value: $35-40 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Lakeside Apartments</h2>

Designed by Fender Katsalidis, the 12 level Lakeside Apartments is defined by a very angular architecture expression. 

Situated opposite Albert Park Lake, the building's design is such that it maximises views of the picturesque vista to its west whilst also providing adequate privacy relative to neighbouring developments. Lakeside Apartments includes 159 dwellings above a three level basement, plus communal facilities such as a library, gymnasium, landscaped areas, pool and lounge.

Pre-fabricated precast sections that double as both horizontal and vertical facade components provide Lakeside Apartments with its raw, angular look. Exposed concrete finishes joined by dark spandrels, clear balustrades and light blue glazing could also see the tower draw parallels to fellow residential tower <a href="http://www.buchan.com.au/projects/83-queens-road">83 Queens Road</a> nearby.

<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/image2_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Queens Road has a new addition"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="286" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2_15.jpg?itok=2HuyJPJD" title="Queens Road has a new addition" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Queens Road has a new addition</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Location: 77 Queens Road, Melbourne</li>
	<li>Developer: Southlink Developments</li>
	<li>Design: Fender Katsalidis</li>
	<li>Builder: Hickory</li>
	<li>Construction timeframe: 21 months</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Arthur</h2>

Another Queens Road addition is slightly unusual in that it has been converted from a former commercial block into a mixed-use tower.

Developer Hallmarc has overseen the creation of 86 apartments and 85 serviced apartments which will be operated under the developer's Tyrian brand. Named after Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathern, the development is of course adjacent to Arthur Street.

Builder Icon Co. was tasked with the transformation of 14 Queens Road which has also seen conference areas, a retail space, open rooftop, gym and various other amenities added.

Stripped back to its concrete shell, The Arthur's exterior now includes precast panels, black glazing and a considerable amount of metallic bronze detailing over its facade. These bronze Alucobond PLUS panels are a stand out across the building.

<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/image3_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="14 Queens Road's conversion is complete"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="275" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3_7.jpg?itok=PiEZeBlF" title="14 Queens Road's conversion is complete" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>14 Queens Road's conversion is complete</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Location: 14 Queens Road, Melbourne</li>
	<li>Developer: Hallmarc</li>
	<li>Builder: Icon Co</li>
	<li>Construction timeframe: 16 months</li>
	<li>Construction value: $50 million</li>
</ul>
Expand the images below to see all three projects in further detail.
</body></html>

silvermb

Three apartment project completions make their mark

<html><body>
Icon Co. signage has appeared on two irregular Melbourne developments with the builder pursuing the conversion of two former commercial buildings into high end apartments and an apartment hotel. Conversions of existing structures have historically been a none too common occurrence in Melbourne relative to new build projects.

Developer LAS Group and project partner Qualitas have awarded Icon the $85 million task of converting the former Fawkner Business Centre offices at 499 St Kilda Road into The Fawkner; a parkside apartment development with an end value of $300 million.

Dated 1973, the existing structure will be retained, with all internals and existing facade currently being stripped away.

<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/image6_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Early demolition works and the intended result. Image: KPDO"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="265" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_6.jpg?itok=91BaJwkE" title="Early demolition works and the intended result. Image: KPDO" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Early demolition works and the intended result. Image: KPDO</figcaption></figure>The conversion of the former office building will allow for lofty ceilings and large floorplates with design firm K.P.D.O. responsible for creating more than 60 different apartment layouts over nineteen levels.

<blockquote>
An industry leader with 19 years of experience and proven capabilities in commercial and residential construction and development, we believe Icon Co. is best placed to realise the site’s potential and deliver our vision for an unparalleled premium residential offering that showcases the best of apartment living,
<cite>Les Smith, Managing Director, LAS Group</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
This is a significant project for Qualitas, and we needed an experienced contractor who was willing to ‘roll up their sleeves’ to help us unlock the puzzle of the adaptive reuse of the existing building. Icon Co. worked in partnership with us to achieve that outcome, and their recent partnership with Kajima Corporation of Japan provides significant balance sheet strength in support of the project.
<cite>Mark Fischer, Managing Director, Principal Investments at Qualitas</cite>
</blockquote>

The Fawkner amenities include an infinity pool atop the level seven podium, a health and wellness centre, open air courtyard, gymnasium, lounge areas, business facilities, theatre and cellar. Working collaboratively with the client and design team Icon Co. expect the project which is 80% sold to reach completion during mid 2017.

Also on Icon Co.'s agenda is the conversion of nearby 14 Queens Road. Comparatively more advanced than the Fawkner, the Queens Road build which is currently little more than a shell will see the delivery of private apartments and a Tyrian-branded serviced apartment hotel.

<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/image7arthur.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Arthur with test pod and the rendered finish. Image: Hallmarc"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="270" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7arthur.jpg?itok=9Gab8v6B" title="The Arthur with test pod and the rendered finish. Image: Hallmarc" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Arthur with test pod and the rendered finish. Image: Hallmarc</figcaption></figure>Developer Hallmarc is behind the mixed-use project which they reportedly purchased for $13 million during February 2013.

Set on a 2,326sqm site Arthur will include near on 100 apartments and Melboune's second Tyrian Serviced Apartments behind the existing 4.5 star Fitzroy location. Included within the build is a rooftop pool, dining, entertaining and fitness facilities.

The addition of the above two projects swells Icon Co.’s current Victorian build portfolio to well in excess of $500 million, with 2016 likely to see the company deliver $1,557 million worth of projects across three states.

Icon Co.'s largest current Melbourne project is Southbank's Shadow Play with the fledgling build valued at $126 million and set to add another 494 apartments upon its expected May 2018 completion date.
</body></html>

Icon Co.

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Icon Co.

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News