An urban forest flourishes from inside Paragon, a new multi residential tower designed by Fender Katsalidis in Melbourne CBD that looks a lot like paradise.
Situated in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, Fender Katsalidis’ new $200-million multi residential tower, Paragon, has been completed – and Australia’s first elevated indoor forest in a high-rise along with it.
The 48-level tower by developer Beulah features a three-level ‘urban forest’ containing a selection of mature trees, leafy canopies, climbing gardens and grassy spaces, complete with refined terrazzo pavers and outdoor seating zones.
Paragon encompasses a heritage façade from 1876 at its lower levels, previously home to the former Celtic Club, followed by the urban forest as an interval before the residential tower rises above. Architecturally unique in the Melbourne skyline, Paragon features a diagonal grid surface pattern on its facade.
“The urban forest is innovative in the context of Australian high-rise living and is a new way to connect residents with green living environments in a CBD setting,” says Nicky Drobis, director at Fender Katsalidis, highlighting the benefits of nature for residents and in the design outcome, which was created in collaboration with landscape architect Paul Bangay.
“We have created a link between the trees that line the streets below and Paragon’s conservatory-like space which residents will be able to engage with through all seasons.
“Dedicating three levels in height to the urban forest shows a true commitment to ensuring residents have access to nature while simultaneously acting as an interval in the façade to delineate the heritage from the new tower form,” she says.
There is a further level of interest to each apartment’s view created by the dynamic nature of the grid on the façade which is enhanced by the full height glazing.
“We have created something that is architecturally unique for Melbourne with a diagrid design juxtaposing the original heritage building and adding to the sky presence of this part of Melbourne.”
Paragon’s design also meets post-pandemic living needs through its low density, with a maximum of six residences per level, access to nature within the building and two levels of amenity.
“The low density per level and smaller immediate neighbourhood it creates, coupled with the urban forest, show how Paragon is leading the way for optimum high-rise living in a post-pandemic world,” Drobis adds.
Paragon is located opposite Fender Katsalidis-designed Republic Tower, occupying a prominent corner site in Melbourne’s CBD, expanding the design practice’s footprint within the urban area.
The high-rise tower has achieved a 5 Star Green Star rating and features Australia’s largest vertical solar panel system comprising 128 panels over 158m2 surface area, delivering green energy sustainability.
With interior design also by Fender Katsalidis, each residence has been crafted with luxurious finishes and details including a mirrored splashback in the kitchen to reflect the CBD views outside.
The penthouse residences each feature an expansive living space and sculptural winding staircase leading up to private terraces with panoramic views.
Paragon tower has been designed with premier amenity including a gym, pool, bar, library, private theatre and screening lounge, shared e-bikes and the ‘urban forest’.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Adaptive reuse is all the rage across the design industry, and rightly so. Here, we present a selection of articles on this most effective approach to sustainability.
Art, design, architecture and hospitality all combine perfectly at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne by BAR Studio and Cottee Parker.
Overcoming pandemic hurdles to redefine guest experiences amidst Sydney’s bustling entertainment precinct, The Darling has undergone a two-year restoration that melds Art Deco interiors with the necessities of hotel living.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
DKO’s Interior Design Director on how to create community and specificity in interior design, and how apartment living is being reconceptualised.
Continuing our new series on the design enthusiasts who work in all sorts of different roles across the industry, we hear from Innerspace’s Creative Collaborator and State Manager NSW.
Welcome to the year of the Design Effect. This year’s theme aims to showcase the profound ripple effects that exceptional design can have on people, place and planet. Join in shaping this narrative by contributing your perspective before May 3, 2024, and become a part of the Design Effect movement.