Prima Pearl

<html><body>
<p>Rex Hunt once borrowed the German words and popularised the phrase "shizenhousen" and that's what the weather was on Thursday afternoon. But when an opportunity arises to visit the levels of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/prima-pearl-31-queensbridge-street-southbank">Prima Pearl</a> still under construction, you oblige.</p>

<p>In all fairness, a group of intrepid media types (and Urban.com.au) ventured up to level 63 for a birds-eye view of Melbourne. With perimeter safety screens encasing the floors above and facade attached to those below, level 63 provided uninterrupted views and the worst weather Melbourne had to offer.</p>

<p>Work on deck had ceased due to high winds, so much so this man's hard hat nearly ended up on Power Street far below. Hand on hard hat and camera in hand, enjoy the views from Prima Pearl.</p>

<p>Click the image below to expand.</p>
</body></html>

silvermb

Hold on to your hard hats! Prima Pearl at level 63

<html><body>
<p>As many readers and prospective apartment buyers are aware, masses of words are dedicated to the marketing of apartment projects. Generally emotive and altogether generic, it's the final product that truly defines a project.</p>

<p>Prima Pearl developer PDG have asserted their project "will be unlike any other residential development currently in Australia." While Urban.com.au provided an overview of Prima Pearl's <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/a-bronzed-icon-takes-its-place" target="_blank">current status</a>, we were fortunate to tour the tower's facilities last Thursday.</p>

<p>Words aside, the assembled media experienced first-hand the final product and gained an understanding of the project's intricate details. What is it that sets Prima Pearl apart?</p>

<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/2014-07-10_16.09.38.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="864" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2014-07-10_16.09.38.jpg?itok=HqOrzEUb" title="Image supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image supplied</figcaption></figure><h2>Innovative living</h2>

<p>PDG Sales Manager, Mark Giuliano and architect Roberto Dreolini of Disegno Australia spared no detail in their description of the building. Chief amongst Prima Pearl's features is the use of an Australian-first residential tower technology, seeing eight high-speed, smart elevators employed to move individuals with maximum efficiency and minimal time.</p>

<p>When a resident activates a sensor by way of swipe stick, the system immediately dispatches an elevator to the corresponding pick-up point (car park/lobby/recreational) with the resident's living floor already pre-programmed; simply walk to the elevator and the lift will be waiting for you, with your floor already selected.</p>

<p>Technology also permeates through the podium-top communal areas. Smart Miele communal kitchen appliances, an automated gym with a myriad of program selections, or the private cinema which allows the user to insert their USB device - thus being able to watch the program of their choice - are a few of the highlights.</p>

<p>Most impressive is the golf simulation space, where Malvern firm X-golf have provided the means where a resident can have their swing evaluated off-site (in real time) and have the results fed back via a live Skype session.</p>

<h2>Quality in detail</h2>

<p>Hand in hand with Prima Pearl's technological advantage comes with a variety of custom finishes. Imported Tuscan stone surrounds the lap pool while an imported Italian mosaic frames the external terrace atop the podium.</p>

<p>What could be considered minor details have been considered design showpieces. Considered improbable, the poolside sauna for instance maintains a frameless glass frontage while the entire gym floor has been described as 'sprung' for user comfort.</p>

<h2>Comfortable in your own skin</h2>

<p>As for the facade, Roberto Dreolini described the towers external skin as one of the more difficult and time consuming project choices. Subject to much deliberation, bronze was chosen as the team felt it played on surrounding towers while being individual at the same time.</p>

<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_0955_-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The bronzed brute"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="869" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0955_-1.jpg?itok=pLF-_448" title="The bronzed brute" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The bronzed brute</figcaption></figure><p>A design strategy saw double-glazed facade panels chosen, which provide outstanding insulation performance by maintaining ideal internal temperatures for longer periods. Each of the 8,500 double glazed panels consist of two panes with argon gas inserted to fill the internal void, enabling sunlight to be reflected. Appearing as one unit, the two pieces of glass and an insulated frame are sealed together, maximising the panel's thermal properties.</p>

<p>Stay tuned, as later in the year PDG have invited Urban.com.au to the skylounge unveiling and completed apartments in the tower's upper levels.</p>

<p>Enjoy the PDG provided images below, which more than capably do justice to the amenity and quality available within Prima Pearl.</p>
</body></html>

Beyond the hyperbole -  what really sets Prima Pearl apart

<html><body>
<p>Crane your neck skyward toward Southbank and you'll see the final floors appearing on Melbourne's latest high-rise icon: Prima Pearl.</p>

<p>Site works began in February 2011, giving a fair indication as to how much time, resource and effort is required to realise a tower of Prima Pearl's ilk. Under the guidance of Brookfield Multiplex the tower recently reached its maximum height of 256 metres, officially making Prima Pearl the 2nd tallest residential tower in Melbourne after Eureka Tower and overall the city’s fourth tallest building.</p>

<p>With 50 owners already inhabiting their lower level dwellings, all site construction will be completed by early 2015 marking the tower as the third successful joint project between development entities PDG and Schiavello.</p>

<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/spp%2020140320.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Prima Pearl's lower levels looming over the Yarra earlier during 2014"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/spp%2020140320.jpg?itok=b-Tk4TaK" title="Prima Pearl's lower levels looming over the Yarra earlier during 2014" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Prima Pearl's lower levels looming over the Yarra earlier during 2014</figcaption></figure><h2>Design highlights</h2>

<p>Created by Disegno Australia and defined by its highly reflective bronzed glass façade, the 72 level edifice moves incrementally from a concave to convex form over the full tower height. While aesthetically pleasing to those who look from afar, the highly reflective substrate provides uninterrupted views when looking out from within while also providing the comfort of complete privacy.</p>

<p>No less than 8,500 high performance glazing panels are employed over the facade whereas concrete structure specialist Form 700 employed 2372 precast panels, 42,536m³ of concrete, 4,068 tonnes of reinforcement and near on 400 tonnes of post tensioning in delivering the structure.</p>

<h2>From the ground up!</h2>

<p>Prima Pearl comprises two lobbies, one catering for the 369 apartments within the Pearl segment (most of which have settled), while the balance of the 661 apartments are held in the Prima component above. The Pearl lobby via Power Street provides an immediate sense of space and luxury, punctuated by a green wall. Concierge, building management and/or security personnel will be based at reception and are available 24 hours a day as required.</p>

<p>Eight levels of podium parking sit atop ground level while level 9 features over 2,350sqm of dedicated residential amenity space. Designed to equal the facilities of a six star hotel, the double height space incorporates a 25m in‐ground pool with sauna, spa and steam<br>
room. A gym, residents’ lounge, private dining room, sun lounge and barbeque terrace over the northern and eastern sides are also included.</p>

<p>Accessible to all residents of Prima Pearl, other amenity area facilities include a virtual golf driving range, meeting rooms, private cinema and a games room. 57 levels of residential apartments ensue while level 67 features the Skylounge, exclusively for the use of residents living on levels 46 – 65. Commanding panoramic views, the area includes multiple sun decks, swimming pool, spa with adjoining steam room, sauna and change facilities, lounge space and private dining room with catering kitchen facilities.</p>

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
<p>Prima Pearl was such a unique opportunity for PDG and Schiavello to produce a world class residential tower which added significant value to Melbourne’s growing skyline. All apartments within Prima Pearl sold out within an 18 month timeframe. A prestigious position opposite the Crown Entertainment Complex with the associated five star fashion boutiques and restaurants was very appealing to a wide range of owner occupiers and investors.</p>
<cite>PDG Sales Manager, Mark Giuliano</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
<p>My goal was to ensure that the architectural intent was realised and that the most beautiful, liveable and unique residential tower currently in Australia would be created for PDG’s clients.</p>
<cite>Disegno Australia Senior Associate, Roberto Dreolini</cite>
</blockquote>

<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/Pool.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mesmerising comes to mind. Prima Pearl's pool. Image © PDG Corporation"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Pool.jpg?itok=rxBrnQIU" title="Mesmerising comes to mind. Prima Pearl's pool. Image © PDG Corporation" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mesmerising comes to mind. Prima Pearl's pool. Image © PDG Corporation</figcaption></figure><p>Schiavello originally purchased the Prima Pearl site in 1984. After a number of designs surfaced, Prima Pearl was chosen after Schiavello joined forces with PDG during 2009 with a vision to in their own words, "create a development without equal in inner Melbourne." Testament to their hard work and dedication Melbourne now has a new, high quality icon to gaze upon.</p>

<p>I'm happy to say Urban.com.au will tour Prima Pearl and provide a comprehensive pictorial review in the coming weeks.</p>
</body></html>

Prima Pearl

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Prima Pearl

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News