The Quays to foster a strong community at Docklands
The Quays, MAB’s most ambitious project at NewQuay, Docklands, has been validated by consumer demand and a sell-out of its 617 apartments.
The developer has embraced colour and the detail of small residential projects to generate a tactile, warm atmosphere within the large buildings.
Designer, Debbie Ryan and David Allt-Graham, General Manager, Residential at MAB Corporation provided a sneak peek of the new vertical community today. The two towers will be open to residents in November and include three separate communal zones to encourage a greater sense of shared community.
“We were keen to create a bond between the private and public space at The Quays and it’s the first building we have built with a public thoroughfare which makes getting in and around the area easier.”
Mr Allt-Graham said that the communal space spans a generous 2260 square metres.
“The communal areas are the glue to creating a strong community and are designed to appeal to the busy professional but also create something that is social” said Mr Allt-Graham. “There is a 25-metre pool and a tennis court but more importantly there are lots of places to linger and hang out around these zones.
“There is lots of personality within the building and nooks to relax. Our intention is to create a sense of belonging so people can get to know their neighbours” said Mr Allt-Graham.
The new towers have been designed by architects, McBride Charles Ryan (MCR), and The Quays is the first Docklands project for the Melbourne team.
“McBride Charles Ryan had only completed one large scale building prior to this, the QV2 in the city. MAB had admired their work and wanted the detail and passion of their residential projects to translate into The Quays” said Mr Allt-Graham.
Debbie Ryan, who led the project’s design team, said MAB was attuned to the nuances of Docklands and wanted to be at the forefront of design innovation.
“We wanted to offer more than other apartments on the market, to create something luxurious. The colour palates are water-related and inspired by pearls and coral” Mrs Ryan said.
Mrs Ryan added that the overall shape of the building is fluid and organic.
“The two towers act as an icon, an urban marker directed back to the approach from the CBD. The result is colourful, lively and activated, providing delight to the pedestrian realm” Mrs Ryan said.
“Unusual form always captures people’s imagination. We used a complex interlocking plan so it is more like a jigsaw puzzle that fits neatly together.”
The communal zones are located throughout the building. The atrium is on ground level, the residential lounge on level one and the rooftop garden on top of the podium.
The atrium features a stunning pool and sauna, gym fitted with professional equipment as well as a yoga room and ballet barre. The residential lounge has a kitchen and dining area for private parties, cinema room seating 20 people, library, poker room and boardroom and business facilities. The rooftop garden has harbour views, a tennis court, plenty of shade and BBQ facilities.
Installation artist, Nike Savvas, has created an installation for the atrium which is a stream of shimmering, iridescent blown glass balls suspended from the roof called Everlasting.
Charlotte Day, director at MUMA, managed the commission and selected Nike from a shortlist of three artists.
“Savvas has a real feeling for space, her artwork beautifully complements the architecture while adding a wonderful and magical dimension to it” Ms Day said.
The towers consist of one, two and three bedroom apartments with an average price of $580,000.