Projects

Chester & Ella, Newstead, QLD

This pair of residential towers near Brisbane’s CBD deliver luxury living in spacious, light-filled apartments, encapsulating the best of inner city living.

Crisp white concrete or soft bronze curves? It’s a tough decision when choosing between the distinctive exteriors of this linked pair of residential apartment buildings in the upmarket Brisbane suburb of Newstead. Aptly named the “Chester & Ella” for their location on the corner of the two streets, the architectural inspiration for the pair of buildings comes from the curves of the nearby Brisbane River.

The Chester features crisp white balconies made with concrete panels while the Ella uses sheets of perforated bronze metal to deliver softer curved balustrades. The balconies of both buildings have been angled to offer multiple vistas of the river and Brisbane CBD, while retaining privacy.

The two 18-storey buildings contain a total of 320 apartments, with between one and four bedrooms, 10 accessible apartments for residents with physical support needs and bespoke penthouses with private pools. Residents of each tower have access to a comprehensive suite of hotel-like shared facilities in both buildings including concierge, rooftop pool and dining areas, health and wellness facilities, indoor and outdoor cinemas and recreation areas.

In approaching the shared building entrance, the quality and high-end finishes are apparent in the grand lobby which greets visitors and guests. The extra-high foyer has been constructed with two of Alspec’s architecturally preferred products: ecoFRAMEplus 101.6mm and ecoWALL 225mm, both with double glazing. These framing systems have structural features which make them ideal for commercial foyers, able to span large distance, while creating a visually attractive façade.

With 2.7m high ceilings throughout the complex, floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors emphasise the views, natural light and ventilation. Window and door framing solutions were chosen from across the Alspec ranges, depending on their intended location and use. For example the ProGlide High Performance Sliding Door is well suited to the common spaces and shared facility areas. The durable doors are designed to specifically cater for high use environments and have multiple weather performance features which make them an effective all-weather barrier.

Fixed glazing panels were drawn from the Hunter Evo 101.6mm and 150mm Single Flush Glazed Framing systems and the McArthur Evo 101.6 Centre Pocket Framing, as best suited for each situation. For openable windows, the Murray 50mm was selected for its acoustic and thermal properties. All framing was finished in Precis dark bronze, providing a pleasing contrast with Chester’s white exterior, and a subtle blend with Ella’s metallic façade.

The success of the development has been shown in it recently being recognised in the Australian Institute of Architects Regional Architecture Awards. The site was nominated for the Lord Mayor’s prize and received an honourable mention in the Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing category.

Project Name: Chester & Ella
Project Address: Cnr Chester St & Ella St, Newstead, QLD 4006
Architect: Hayball
Builder: Hutchinson Builders
Fabricator: Queensland Façade Systems
Applied Finish: Precis Dark Bronze (YY20BA)