Spacious and versatile indoor-outdoor living areas are proving a major drawcard for the latest luxury riverside apartments to be completed in Brisbane’s West End. With large, enclosable balconies commanded sweeping river views, the Virtuoso on the River residences offer new levels of alfresco living well-suited to the moderate Brisbane climate.

Built on the site of the former home of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, the Virtuoso comprises 77 residences across seven levels, and includes a mixture of three, four and five bedroom apartments. The elevated location and staggered façade has ensured the Brisbane River views are optimised for every apartment.

The development features the use of Alspec CityScape operable plantation shutters to create the versatile indoor-outdoor living spaces. Each large balcony has been fitted with a series of eight sliding and stacking shutters, operating across a four-track system to maximise the available opening. The adjustable blades can be fully rotated in either direction, providing a flexible shading solution to reduce direct sunlight. Shutters also help to reduce the transfer of heat to the interior and encourage natural ventilation. Inside the apartments, the shutters have also been used in a practical way to allow natural light to reach the ensuite via the master bedroom.

CityScape plantation shutters are constructed from 100% recyclable aluminium which is well-suited to enduring the potentially harsh extremes of the Australian climate. The sliding option used for this project is top hung and bottom rolling, although the shutters are also available in fixed, hinged and bi-fold configurations. The functional design of the shutters means reduced fabrication time and waste, which has resulted in a product which is also an economical purchase.

The flexible shutters can be paired with insect screen options and can be powder coated or given a timber grain finish to match design requirements. For this project, alternating shutter colours were used (Deep Ocean Matt and Ultra Silver Gloss) to provide additional interest to the staggered façade.

This project is a classic example of how modern shutters can be used to optimise liveable spaces by expanding the amount of areas which can be enjoyed in every season.

Project Name: Virtuoso on the River
Project Address: 51 Ferry Rd, West End QLD 4101
Architect: Mode Design
Builder: RGD Group
Fabricator: Breezeview Windows
Applied Finish: Interpon Deep Ocean Matt & Interpon Vivica Ultra Silver Gloss

Alspec Products Used:
CityScape™ Operable Plantation Shutter