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Walking on Sunshine

Market Insights
8 years ago
5 minutes

A transparent pedestrian skybridge linking two rooftop parks 30 metres above the ground will be among the eye-catching features of a resort-style residential complex on the gateway site into Wentworth Point.

The walkway and bicycle bridge will give residents a dramatic – albeit potentially unnerving – experience as they cross the 20 metres between twin nine-storey buildings. Below them will be an interactive water fountain that bubbles into curved channels, flowing over raised planter boxes on its journey throughout the prestigious development.

ONE The Waterfront will contain 273 apartments in five buildings on the corner of Bennelong Parkway and Hill Road. The quadrant-shaped 25,000sqm site marks the entry to Wentworth Point, which is strategically located between the CBDs of Sydney and Parramatta, and currently home to some 6,000 residents.

The pet-friendly ONE The Waterfront has been designed by eminent architect Frank Stanisic, and is being developed by PietyTHP. 

 

It will feature two sky parks totalling 1,400sqm – one with a rooftop cinema; the other with barbecue and picnic facilities. Spanning the two will be a sturdy two-metre wide skybridge flanked by high glass screens.

It is believed the skybridge is an architectural first for an Australian residential complex, although Stanisic thinks the concept will catch on, particularly in developments utilising rooftops for communal activity.

“The skybridge is part of a bigger picture idea of providing a necklace of open aerial space,” said Mr Stanisic. “It acts as a physical connection between buildings and also as a social connection between residents.”

The skybridge will be fabricated off-site of steel beams with concrete poured over the robust formwork to form a platform. A timber floor will be added, the glass balustrades affixed from the inside onto fine steel posts, and the bridge will be hoisted into position as the two buildings near completion.

“The views from the skybridge will be spectacular, ranging from the harbour to the Olympic Stadium,” said Mr Stanisic. “The bridge will move ever so slightly in certain weather conditions, and the experience of walking or riding a bicycle over it will be exhilarating rather than scary.” 

However, for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground there will be a 5,000sqm park encircled by a running track, containing a children’s playground, fitness stations, gardens, relaxation zones, and barbecue areas including a pizza oven.

A further bonus for residents will be an exclusive Club offering bar and dining facilities, a 20-seat theatre, entertainment and a concierge service.

ONE The Waterfront will complete the vision of a Mediterranean village at Wentworth Point which has evolved since the year 2000. At its heart is The Piazza, which replicates the cobblestone charm of an Italian town square. 

“We’ve created a dynamic collection of buildings with open spaces that offer great social amenity to further enhance the experience of living at The Waterfront,” said Mr Stanisic.

“The rich, visual nature of the architecture comes to life with clear and bronze glazing, gold-finished louvres, and bronze metallic framing that animate the façade. As the light changes throughout the day the buildings will take on different expressions.”

The interiors, by Turner, feature the latest home automation and fibre optic technology, and come in two internal schemes, ‘Twilight’ and ‘Dusk’.

“Each scheme is blended with highly varnished and matte surfaces, made all the more radiant by threads of gold,” said Angus Henderson of Turner. “Metallic accents, sophisticated LED lighting and the latest Bosch appliances ramp up the glamour quotient,” he said. 

One of the internal design features is an ‘All Seasons living room’ which acts as an extension to the living spaces. Tinted glass and louvered windows can fold out to respond to various weather conditions. 

The ‘All Seasons living room’ is favoured by Stanisic because it allows occupants to passively control the heating and cooling of their apartments. “In winter the room becomes a cosy extension of the indoor space, while in summer it can be opened to allow light, air and the outdoors in,” he said.

The cleverly-configured floorplans provide well-proportioned rooms with inventive storage solutions to make the most of the space, while careful acoustic planning guarantees occupants a serene environment.

All apartments come with security basement car parking and a storage cage. Quarterly strata levies are estimated to be $600-$740 and $780-$965 respectively for the one and the two-bedroom apartments.

ONE The Waterfront is the premier location at Wentworth Point, and the apartments are the result of 15 years of resident feedback and design experience so they will be the highest quality created here,” said Rhys Morgan, Sales Director of LINK Realty.

“On average the one-bedrooms are 15 percent larger and the two-bedrooms 25 percent larger than competing apartments at Wentworth Point.”