Project Overview

Balmoral is a four-storey development of twenty-three residences in Glen Iris, designed in partnership with architects Ewert Leaf with landscaping by John Patrick and construction by Cobild.

Fortis developed the project for downsizers and professional couples seeking higher density living in Glen Iris.

The development’s design vision was drawn from the surrounding natural landscape; nature is an inherent part of the design, softening the building’s contemporary exterior.

Focal points include a classic façade with dark charcoal bricks and copper cladding offset by a living green wall connecting the project to surrounding foliage and the tree-lined street. Threads of foliage trace and soften the building’s upper structural edges.

Cubed planters with cascading foliage integrate landscaping into the building and copper cladding engenders an atmosphere of luxury and defines the double-height entry space.

Balmoral also uses linear elements to break down the building’s four-storey mass. Horizontal elements wrap around the façade and angle to define the entry while softening the building’s edges, creating a gentle transition to buildings on either side.

The site’s elevated location provides views to the north and Melbourne’s CBD.

Organisation

Fortis

 

Team

Developer - Fortis
Architect - Ewert Leaf
Landscape Architect - John Patrick
Construction - Cobild
Project Manager – Neoscape

Project Brief

The project brief for Balmoral included a high emphasis on the creation of strong connections with the natural environment, taking advantage of the elevated site and achieving a harmonious synergy with the neighbourhood’s heritage character.

Fortis wanted Balmoral’s design to further enhance the natural streetscape; this led to the development of the green wall and integration of John Patrick’s landscape into the building.

The design needed to break down the mass of a four-storey building and use street setbacks to help transition the height from neighbouring residential buildings.

The brief specified the selection of materials that would not only tie seamlessly into the surrounding streetscape but also improve with age and require little or no maintenance.

Further, the brief sought maximum glazing to take full advantage of outlooks, while also minimising solar gains and reducing heat losses.

Project Innovation/Need

Homebuyers throughout Melbourne’s established suburbs are seeking high-quality contemporary homes with high-end functionality and aesthetic appeal; this includes an integration of the natural environment.

Balmoral matched these needs by creating beautifully finished homes which provide residents with natural outlooks, generous outdoor spaces, abundant light and fresh air.

In communal corridors, automated louvres open and close in response to climatic conditions to naturally ventilate areas.

Another innovation was the use of a lightweight structural system fabricated offsite for quicker construction; this is poured with concrete on site and is load bearing, fire rated and acoustically compliant. The top level was constructed form lightweight steel and used prefabricated wall framing panels. These measures helped complete the structure ahead of schedule.

Design Challenge

Balmoral encountered a significant design challenge when legislative changes forced a change to the project’s original façade design.

The original design featured a weathered timber façade which Fortis hoped would age and grey over time. However new building regulations prompted a change of direction.

The objective was still firmly focused on achieving a maintenance-free façade solution, without diluting the overall appeal of the building.

Fortis worked with its design partners, builders and purchasers to find a desirable alternative.

One option was to use aluminium cladding, however Fortis eventually settled on a natural copper finish.

Whilst more expensive than the original specification, Fortis realised that copper would visually elevate the building.

Purchasers were personally approached about the change and all were delighted with the outcome.

Sustainability

Sustainability is an integral part of Balmoral’s design and construction.

Key environmental innovations include automated louvres in communal corridors which open and close according to climatic conditions to naturally ventilate areas.

Balmoral exceeds STORM (water sensitive urban design requirements) with rainwater harvesting used to water gardens and with an option for toilet flushing.

Every Balmoral residence has a minimum 6-star energy rating. Some of the development’s sustainability measures include daylight modelling to optimise natural light with every apartment designed for maximum glazing while reducing solar gains and heat loss, 10 percent greater lighting and power efficiency than specified by the National Construction Code, timer-controlled external lighting, rooftop solar panels to help power common areas including lift and lighting and fixed and operable shading.

Other initiatives include low VOC paints and flooring, AFS-certified plantation timber used in structure and joinery, an energy-saving CO2 monitor that turns on an exhaust fan in the car park when CO2 levels reach a threshold. There are also bike racks on site.