Maintaining The Facade

466 Collins Street is a 107 year old building, representing the ability to outlast the modernism for decades at a time.

The historic Collins St building was originally the centre of Australia’s national trade network, from as early as 1902, possessing a history almost unmatched in the area. 

Usually developments are associated with deconstruction, and then reconstruction, however, as with this site, the building will actually undergo a $200m restoration.

Residential developers, Golden Age Group and Asian Pacific Group are behind the restoration and are determined to change the perception of building upgrading.

Throughout the design process, maintaining and capturing the originality behind the building was imperative, with the whole design and construction team agreeing that that the building’s facade was equally as important as the fusion of modernity of inside.

Golden Age Group founder, Jeff Xu, was adamant that the building and subsequently a part of Melbourne’s history was preserved.

“Reinstating the features of the former Huddart Parker building is the right thing to do. We wanted to create a project that is meaningful and respectful of Melbourne’s past,” said Xu.

“This building tells the history of Melbourne and Australia’s growth as a nation. We are proud to celebrate it and to be returning a bit of history to Melbourne’s iconic Collins Street.”

This is all a part of Collins House, which is due to be the thinnest skyscraper in the Southern Hemisphere - a development due to complete in 2018.

Within the development, 263 luxury apartments over 57 levels will be available for sale, and are due to go on sale this month (May). 

Whilst not only restoring an old Melburnian landmark, the new building will create a new one, and Asian Pacific Group CEO, Will Deague, is excited to see it transpire. 

“We hope to herald a new era in architecture in Melbourne with Collins House, creating a building unique in its form and that employs the best in design to create significant amenity for residents and a lifestyle of luxury,” he said.