Leeka Group has gone down the path of bringing a heightened level of wellness to its recently unveiled Melbourne apartment development, Comme Prahran.

It isn't in the form of a suite of amenities, given the building is more boutique in nature with just 32 apartments, but with clever inclusions designed to uplift their residents lifestyle.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/comme-prahran-182-194-commercial-road-prahran-vic-3181">Comme</a>, directly opposition the iconic Prahran Market on Commercial Road, has been designed by renowned architecture studio <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> and&nbsp;will introduce the first-of-its-kind multi-dimensional wellness offering, where physical, mental, social, environmental, and cultural well-being are embedded throughout.

“Prahran has long been a destination for culture, community and quality of life, and Comme builds on that in a deeply intentional way,” says Leeka Director, Chek Ming Cheng.&nbsp;

“This project introduces a new kind of urban sanctuary, one that adapts to individual definitions of wellness, whether that’s through nutrition, rest, movement, design or connection. Every space has been thoughtfully shaped to support the diverse rhythms of modern life."

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There will be a rooftop with a&nbsp;Zen garden designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/plume-studio">Plume Landscape Architects</a>, offering&nbsp;a sensory experience that activates all five senses, an edible herb wall to taste, calming botanicals to smell, reflexology paths to feel, lush plantings to see and the gentle sounds of water and birdsong to hear.

Inside each residence, wellness is deeply personal, and Comme embraces this individuality with a suite of customisation options designed to enhance both health and lifestyle. Residents can tailor their homes with circadian lighting automation, supported by research linking it to improved well-being, better rest, and even longevity.&nbsp;

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Other add-ons residents can opt for include real-time air monitoring and purification systems, ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment, while blackout blinds help optimise sleep quality. Additionally, the option to include integrated smart home technologies and security measures with multiple controlled access points offers ease, convenience, and peace of mind, supporting day-to-day living and contributing to overall mental well-being.

Kitchens can be fitted with healthy cooking appliances such as steam ovens and taps for instant filtered, sparkling or hot water, while ensuites can be transformed into spa-style sanctuaries complete with steam showers, heated floors, rain heads, smart toilets, and sensor night lights to support restful sleep cycles. In the penthouse residence, further options include an outdoor spa for enhanced recovery and indulgence.

“Comme isn’t just about design, it’s about how space can support your day-to-day life," Chek added.

"Whether you like a steam shower, checking your indoor air quality, simply enjoying a quiet moment in the rooftop garden, or reflecting on the artworks in the building, wellness is part of your everyday routine, not an afterthought."

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The residences will feature open-plan layouts compliant with Better Apartment Design Standards (BADS), with floor-to-ceiling windows that maximise ventilation, natural light and thermal comfort. Finishes such as natural stones, timber flooring and low-VOC paints are complemented by facade design that filters dappled light and aids in thermal comfort.

Cera Stribley, Co-Founder, Domenic Cerantonio, said the first thing you notice is the light.

"Natural light floods the living spaces, casting a soft glow that instantly lifts your spirits. It's as if the outside world melts away, and you're cocooned in a peaceful oasis."

The gallery-style residential lobby will feature circadian-inspired lighting and artwork, while the ground-floor will offer retail and hospitality spaces.

The building’s mixed-use design fosters connection, with ground-floor retail and hospitality creating a vibrant, welcoming destination. These spaces are thoughtfully designed to enhance the precinct and bring it to life.

&nbsp;

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Sustainability and environmental responsibility are integral to Comme Prahran’s DNA. All homes are gas-free and designed to a 7-star energy average, with double glazing, WELS-rated plumbing, and EV charging capabilities available. A light-coloured exterior has been chosen to minimise heat absorption, supporting thermal efficiency and reducing reliance on artificial cooling.

Honouring the cultural richness of Prahran, the project reimagines an Edwardian-era landmark, integrating its historic character into a contemporary architectural form. Art experiences will activate the residential and retail lobbies, and a dedicated artwork on the external eastern facade will enrich the building’s street presence, embedding it into the creative fabric of the neighbourhood.

&nbsp;

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Joel Robinson

Comme Prahran launches opposite Prahran Market

Apartment developer Third.i has seen "overwhelming interest" in its recently unveiled new harbourside apartment project, The Rushcutters.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-rushcutters-51-57-bayswater-road-rushcutters-bay-nsw-2011">The Rushcutters</a>, which is being delivered in partnership with James Packer's NPACT, will comprise just 13 luxury two- and three-bedroom apartments.&nbsp;

Demand is predominantly coming from local downsizers.

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“We’ve been absolutely blown away by the level of interest in The Rushcutters,” said Luke Berry, Director and Co-founder Third.i Group.

“It’s clear that buyers are seeking more than just a place to live, they’re looking for a lifestyle upgrade. The ability to amalgamate apartments into expansive, whole-floor homes is a game-changer for downsizers who want space without the maintenance of a traditional house.”

The Rubinstein Group is marketing the project alongside Hume Residential and JLL.

“It’s no surprise that if you’re downsizing from a five-bedroom house in Bellevue Hill, for example, you want to maintain that sense of space and luxury when looking for your next home, "&nbsp;Gavin Rubinstein, Founder of The Rubinstein Group, said.

“The Rushcutters is a great fit. Amalgamating apartments to create a bespoke, whole-floor home is a natural progression for buyers who aren’t willing to compromise on size and/or quality.”

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Amalgamating apartments has become a common theme among high-end buyers across Third.i's portfolio including Muse in Potts Point, and Elevate Hume Place in Crows Nest, which set a Lower North Shore apartment record with the $15.1 million sale of an amalgamation of a penthouse and sub-penthouse.

“We’re witnessing a clear shift towards more amalgamations in a number of our projects across Sydney,” said Jason Fraser, Principal at Woods Bagot.

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“The ability to combine apartments is enabling buyers to create truly unique, house-sized residences with high-end finishes, and proximity to vibrant urban precincts. The desire to amalgamate apartments to bespoke, house-sized residences is becoming a defining feature of Sydney’s evolving luxury apartment market."

Due to the City of Sydney’s no net dwelling loss policy, Thirdi is only able to offer one level for amalgamation at The Rushcutters, combining two apartments into a single, expansive residence.

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The Rushcutters a "great fit" for downsizers

Lower North Shore developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a> has secured development approval for its ultra-luxury residential project on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/34-burran-avenue-mosman-nsw-2088">dress circle Burran Avenue</a>.

The project, just&nbsp;50 metres from Balmoral Beach within Mosman’s prestigious Golden Triangle, will commence construction in early 2026,&nbsp;following the successful completion of its nearby Hampden Mosman project.

Lodged in April 2025 and approved in September 2025, the development will comprise three whole-floor residences, each designed to capture panoramic harbour views through Sydney Heads.

<img alt="34 Burran Avenue, Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7f4c7816-0ac8-4ef7-be0a-8ef23b693b68" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/BURRAN%20EV01%20R04%20option%201%20%281%29.jpg?VersionId=gVzI8pT6_K59Nhzaz0FLEvY6Kj9Kc8Fg" />

Set on an elevated 550 sqm corner site at the junction of Burran Avenue and Stanton Road, the building has been designed to sit within Balmoral’s natural slope. The façade mixes stone and metal cladding with angular forms, while oversized terraces and full-height sliding doors create a connection between interior living spaces and outdoor entertaining areas.

The delivery team from Abadeen’s Hampden Mosman project, which includes construction company Reform Projects and interiors company Mathieson, has been retained to bring the same level of execution and craftsmanship to Burran Avenue.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/platform-architects">Platform Architects</a> has been appointed project architect, bringing extensive experience from recent luxury residential projects in Manly, Fairlight and Freshwater.

&nbsp;

Justin Brown, Executive Chairman and Founder of Abadeen, said sites of this calibre, this close to Balmoral, are incredibly rare.

“Burran Avenue is an extraordinary site; its location, its scale and its outlook make it truly one of a kind. Receiving DA approval marks an exciting milestone for Abadeen."

"We’re proud to be moving forward with an exceptional team to deliver a project that will set a new standard for ultra-luxury living on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. Construction is planned to commence in early 2026, and interest is already strong from discerning local buyers who recognise the uniqueness of this address."

Brown anticipates prices will set new Mosman benchmarks above $20 million. Sales are expected to launch in March 2026.

Abadeen approved for Mosman's priciest apartments

Lifestyle developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gurner">GURNER™ Group</a>, in partnership with Costa Property Group, has announced plans to reimagine Cunningham Pier in Geelong, one of Victoria's most recognisable heritage landmarks.

The announcement follows the City of Greater Geelong’s release of its Draft Geelong Waterfront Master Plan, which seeks to revitalise the waterfront with new energy, tourism, and investment. GURNER and Costa Property Group’s vision aligns with the Council’s ambitions to create a vibrant, connected, and economically powerful precinct for the community.&nbsp;

The future of Cunningham Pier will draw inspiration from Sydney Harbour’s luxury waterfront residences through to Dubai’s sculptural pier-edge towers, blending architectural excellence with &nbsp;resort-style living, hospitality, and public amenity.&nbsp;

The concept, described as “Saint Moritz on the Sea”, is envisioned to include:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Six-star hotel accommodation and services&nbsp;</li>
	<li>World-class restaurants, bars, and public spaces&nbsp;</li>
	<li>High-end residential offerings&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Entertainment and cultural venues&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Potential cruise ship port facilities, integrating Geelong into the global travel network&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The transformative project aims to become a magnet for tourism, investment, and innovation, while &nbsp;ensuring continued public access and connection to Corio Bay’s pristine waterfront.&nbsp;

Cunningham Pier has been operated by Costa Property Group for more than 15 years, with the City of Greater Geelong expressing strong support for strategic commercial partnerships that unlock &nbsp;tourism-led economic development for the region’s fast-growing population.&nbsp;

Tim Gurner, Founder &amp; Executive Chairman, GURNER™ Group, said the project is a "once-in-a-generation opportunity to put Geelong on the global map," adding that their version will be of what icons like the Opera House, Story Bridge or Empire State Building have done for other great cities.

“We’ll be working hand-in-hand with the Mayor, Council, the local community, and State Government to deliver something truly iconic that positions Geelong on the world stage. This project brings together everything we’ve built our brand on – world-class design, hospitality, &nbsp;lifestyle, and experience – all in one place. From six-star hotels and restaurants to the possibility of a &nbsp;new cruise ship terminal and luxury residences, the vision is extraordinary.”&nbsp;

City of Greater Geelong&nbsp;Mayor Stretch Kontelj said he welcomes the "bold and inspiring vision reimagining our beloved Cunnigham Pier as a global destination."

"This ambitious plan and the opening of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre next year have the potential to take our already world-class waterfront to even greater heights.”

Sydney Harbour, Dubai pier towers, to influence Gurner's Cunningham Pier, Geelong development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> is one of Melbourne's longest standing architecture firms.

Founded in Melbourne in 1853 by Joseph Reed, the firm began as Reed &amp; Barnes and has evolved through various partnerships before adopting the Bates Smart name in the 20th century. With a continuous presence spanning more than 170 years, the practice has played a pivotal role in shaping Melbourne’s architectural identity.

In the 19th century, Bates Smart designed several of Melbourne’s enduring landmarks, including the Royal Exhibition Building (1880), a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Melbourne Town Hall. The firm’s influence continued into the 20th century with notable works such as Ici House (1958), considered Melbourne’s first modern skyscraper and a milestone in post-war Australian architecture.

One of their landmark designs was&nbsp;The First Church of Christ, Scientist, at 336-340 St Kilda Road. The building, which is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, was designed by Bates, Peeble and Smart with construction completed in 1922. Architecturally, the building is significant as a rare example of early twentieth century classicism applied to a religious building. Historically, the building is significant as the first church of the Christian Science movement.

Melbourne developer Time &amp; Place decided to bring Bates Smart back to the area to design their next residential apartment project, Park Modern.

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<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/park-modern-south-melbourne-1-middleton-lane-south-melbourne-vic-3205">Park Modern</a>, on one of the largest island sites on the Melbourne CBD fringe, bordered by Dorcas Street, Wells Street, and Middleton Lane, will comprise two sculptural towers. It is being positioned as a design-forward response to evolving owner-occupier preferences in the Domain precinct.

Tim Price, Director at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/time-place">Time &amp; Place</a>, says&nbsp;Bates Smart have got a footprint on this city, probably like no other architect.

"It’s a really nice kind of next chapter story, that they created from a design perspective so long ago," Price told Apartments.com.au.

Park Modern will be the third time Time &amp; Place has worked with Bates Smart, having successfully designed and delivered Collins House and Opera on St Kilda Road together.

The brief focused on creating a built form that would feel contextually appropriate while offering a contemporary evolution of inner-city apartment living.

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The focus for Park Modern is squarely on owner-occupiers.

“It’s not always about downsizing," Price says.

"Sometimes it’s just about creating a space which is easily maintained, lock up and leave, reflecting people’s aspirations, whether they’re entertainers, big dining room spaces, big open terraces, they’re important parts of any design consideration.”

The building includes a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as penthouses, with layouts and floor plans designed to suit a broad demographic. The architecture has been shaped to capture&nbsp;view corridors to the Botanic Gardens, Port Phillip Bay and the CBD skyline.

Each apartment has been oriented to maximise natural light and provide a clear outlook, elements often cited by owner-occupiers as key criteria.

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Rather than defaulting to a generic luxury offering, the amenity strategy at Park Modern reflects specific insights into how residents want to live. The ground floor will include co-working areas, wellness facilities, and a concierge-led lobby that blends indoor and outdoor design cues.

“Wellness has become a more thoughtful consideration, not just gyms or lap pools, but things like magnesium plunge pools, saunas, daybeds, and studio spaces for Pilates and the regular cardio workout,” says Price.

One notable inclusion is a substantial porte-cochère, a covered vehicle drop-off zone integrated into the site plan. It’s a feature rarely seen in inner-urban developments and speaks to the team’s emphasis on ease of arrival and departure for residents and guests.

A display suite for Park Modern is now open by appointment, giving prospective buyers an early look at the project.

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100 years on, Bates Smart returns to South Melbourne's Domain Precinct to design Park Modern

Flemington Racecourse

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There's set to be a new apartment development opposite Melbourne's landmark Flemington Racecourse.
Parkside, a boutique complex of just 23 apartments, sits on the location of the Flemington Landing, where boats use to dock and deposit punters to Flemington Racecourse back in the day.
<div>The Parkside apartments, which will be developed by Montalto Properties and designed by Karen Alcock of architecture firm MA Architecture, have never to be built out views of the 1600 metre start mark.</div>
<div>
They sit beside the neighbouring Footscray Park and overlook the Maribynong River.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/11/7/flem2.jpg" alt="">
The one bedroom apartments, with a minimum floor space of 54 sqm, start from $395,000.
Two bedrooms are priced from $630,000 for their minimum 71sqm space and the three bedrooms start from $930,000.
The apartments are designed for entertaining, with the large kitchen with bench flowing to the living and balcony space. The bedrooms are designed to be private with tree top views.
Set behind a modernist facade, Parkside will be surrounded by sculptural gumtrees, rolling parklands, and scenic cycle routes.
 
</div>
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Parkside apartments to overlook Flemington Racecourse

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The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) and its project partners have achieved a significant milestone with practical completion of its new $128 million Club Stand at Flemington Racecourse.

The eye catching five-level Club Stand designed by Bates Smart represents the 10th grandstand to be built at Flemington since 1865 and was completed by Multiplex on schedule, in time for this year's Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The ‘petal’ projections which form the perimeter of the Club Stand at each floor are the defining feature of Bates Smart's design and were constructed using 90 precast panels each weighing up to 30 tonnes.

Bates Smart also completed the interiors of each of the 17 spaces within the Club Stand with a timeless palette applied to offer the venues a unique and diverse personality for all Members’ to enjoy while respecting the heritage and the spirit of the famed race track and its festivities during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

<blockquote>
The completion of The Club Stand marks one of the most exciting times in the VRC’s history and we look forward to officially opening it to VRC Members and their guests in full for the first time on AAMI Victoria Derby Day.

We congratulate Multiplex on its success in bringing Bates Smart’s vision for The Club Stand to life. The Club Stand is a statement venue that will change event experiences forever and become the setting for the next generation of racegoers to enjoy racing differently.

- Amanda Elliott, VRC Chairman
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/the_club_stand_july_2018_credit_pat_scala_for_racing_photos_3_crop.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The VRC's new Club Stand is now completed save for a few finishing touches. Image: Pat Scala"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="355" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_club_stand_july_2018_credit_pat_scala_for_racing_photos_3_crop.jpg?itok=Xsj024oz" title="The VRC's new Club Stand is now completed save for a few finishing touches. Image: Pat Scala" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The VRC's new Club Stand has achieved practical completion. Image: Pat Scala</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au spoke to Bates Smart's Kristen Whittle and Jeff Copolov on the various aspects of the design and some of the key driver which have influenced the final outcome.

Urban.com.au: What was the brief from the VRC for the design of the new Club Stand?

Kristen Whittle: Before it became a detailed brief, the fundamental brief was to create a new type of grand stand for the VRC which would greatly enhance the hospitality offer at Flemington but also to provide a flagship building that would celebrate both the heritage and beauty of Flemington and create an icon for the VRC. 

U: Good quality architecture often draws on its context to produce a site specific response. The new VRC Club Stand achieves this by drawing inspiration from Flemington's rose garden beds. How do you take a simple idea and produce an architectural response that has an elegant quality without the novelty or kitsch-ness?

KW: The thoughtful and elegant design takes inspiration from Flemington’s iconic rose garden beds creating a very strong sense of place and one which is very particular to the gardens. When you see the Spring Racing Carnival it's the people that make the place, so the gardens provide the frame within which the people move.

We studied people movement, membership movement, back-of-house, front-of-house movement to understand how it all works. What became immediately obvious through that analysis was that people at the Spring Racing Carnival are so resplendent that they deserve to have a place to frame themselves and so they became the exhibit and are almost as important as the horses when it comes to defining the event both nationally and globally. 

We wanted the grandstand to celebrate the movement, the promenading of the people during the course of the day - the horse racing itself only accounts for a small percentage of time - so we analysed what people do before and after, and the (food and beverage offering) and outside activities are very important in creating pockets of space where people can congregate, intermingle and celebrate the races.

So the grandstand brief that eventuated out of the analysis was for a far greater amount of indoor space. The indoor space should open out to all the outdoor space and interact with it. There should be flexibility in the seating, so we chose bench seating as opposed to single seating, and from within the stand there should be an ability to stand up and see the race unfold in front of you.

As a result, the cross-section of the stadium became fundamentally important so that the indoor venues were higher than the outdoor seating. Each bar and restaurant has an outdoor deck which is very particular to those venues, and the building slopes inwards like a hill in cross-section so that each tier as you move up the building, becomes more prestigious. This is then finished off with a roof deck which is serviced by two outdoor bars and two kitchens which will provide outdoor food and beverage opportunities. In the middle of all that there is a large scale indoor-outdoor exhibition-esque flexible restaurant which means that it can be used throughout the year not just on racing day. 

What is also pertinent as to why we have shaped the building in the way that we have is it forms a front door entry statement and is in your line of sight as you're coming in from the train station, so it really forms the centrepiece for the whole track.

U: The new Club Stand is both impressive in its architectural expression, and provides a contrast to the existing stand yet is still in many ways very restrained and has a timeless quality about it. Does this type architectural approach ensure that the building doesn't date and will still be very much relevant 20-30 years from now? 

KW: That's a good question and an important question which is very central to our thinking, that we needed to have a building that functionally speaking was flexible and moving forward was adaptable and provided an armature or structure that allowed for any change in circumstance. 

The 10 metre column grid set in from the outdoor glazing was critical to providing sight lines and also produces a very horizontal expression to the building. The white horizontal bands which sit below the glazing are the areas which accommodate the services, and the large scale shades also project from there.

The idea of the white was to contrast against the gardens. White architecture works very well against a garden backdrop and we always wanted to bring the garden up into the grandstand and so what you have on the ground and first floors is the gardens literally wrap up and around the building. 

We saw the building as a future heritage building rather than just a mere piece of architecture, and we acknowledged that we were demolishing a nationally heritage listed building and so the big argument we put to the Heritage Council was that we were producing a future heritage and so the building needed to be strong, appropriate and of a high quality. Rather than stylistically overtly denoting today's style or fashion.

I think what distinguishes it is the function of the building, the heightened functionality of the building that generated the form as opposed to being an artificial gesture. It is very much the result of a functionally driven form making exercise.

U: The new club stand has a very light and transparent quality about it, but how do you balance the need for natural daylight and ensuring maximum outlook while also balancing the needs of sustainable design?

KW: It's a very environmentally conscious building and we used the horizontal sun shades to be able to employ very clear glazing - which is a triple laminated glazing which means that it's very transparent and open in its appearance and provides very clear colour rendition of the horses out on the track. 

The challenge technically speaking is that you have a very tall floor to floor in the grandstand and it's very difficult to get long pieces of glass which are triple laminated without having what's called 'rollaway' which occurs when the glass itself warps through the cooling process. So we had to ensure the manufacturing process removed all from the glass and more particularly the edges of the glass which are prone to wobbling. The last thing you want is to be looking out towards the finishing line and all of a sudden the horse disappears due to rollaway. 

U: Are there any particular aspects of the design or spaces which really excite you or have a special quality?

KW: There's two things which I think will really shout out to people. The first is the rooftop experience and the fact that there's not really many places in Australia where you can be right at the top of a building for a sporting event, which is really driven by hospitality and customer experience. I think the roof top garden will become very precious in the same way that the member's lawn has become arguably the most precious element of the current members' experience.

The other one is and I think everyone would understand that during the Spring Racing Carnival, the importance of the Melbourne Cup means there's often an aerial shot of the VRC and Flemington in relation to the Melbourne skyline. And I think what people are going to see in the future is a very strong and interesting shapely building with a big VRC logo ontop of the canvas roof which will form a new iconic statement.  

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/284085972" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>

<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://vimeo.com/284085972">The new Club Stand, Victoria Racing Club</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/batessmart">Bates Smart</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.

Urban.com.au: The success of a building's interior relies heavily on a well designed shell, particularly when discussing the longevity of a building. A good shell generally remains largely unchanged while the interiors often tend to change in response to trends over time. What consideration was given to the idea of longevity in the interior design of the spaces and choice of materials? 

Jeff Copolov: That's a really good question because it was very much the defining starting point - the strategic approach to how you dealt with what is primarily a series of food and beverage offerings, and as we know food and beverage trends change, the Club's needs change and we're hoping the Club Stand is around for another 100 years and so we were very mindful of allowing elements to change over time.

Our approach was to ensure the architectural language of the exterior was very clearly defined and so internally the approach was to treat the fit out or the elements within those fit outs almost like a stage set that could be inserted into the preceding shell - if you think about a theatre within the shell - and therefore they had some significant rules about that.

The principle ceilings which are the curved white ceiling planes that flow from the outside in, needed to be retained and needed to be totally legible. Any decorative elements that were unique to any specific interior needed to float or be disengaged from those ceilings .

All of the perimeter columns were always to be left white and never treated in a different finish and if they were incorporated into any of the food and beverage elements, their legibility needed to remain intact. Sometimes we wrapped seating around them but the columns still remained white. 

We very much created a shell that was legible and that the base building materials were consistent across all levels such as lift lobbies, toilets, core linings, escalator linings and all had a simple and unique palette.  

So common areas were clearly defined as one unique palette, base building shell was another and then our interior fit out could have a range of quirky and unique personalities which is what the client's response was.

U: Light is often spoken about in the design of interior spaces as a material in and of itself. How important was natural daylight in the design of the spaces and how did it inform the design?

JC: First and foremost the spaces are there on race day and unlike a lot of food and beverage outlets where you design predominantly for day and night, that was equally important but even moreso daylight was fundamental because  race days at Flemington are day time events, but we were conscious that one day there might be night racing but we ensured that day light  was the principle driver for selecting colour and that we used warm light for our artificial lighting.

Because of the very nature of maximising views and due to our floor to ceiling full height glazing and the panorama and outlook across the track that it provides, we knew we were going to have an enormous amount of daylight and that our interiors would be formed by that bright light quality and there are no window coverings. In most food and beverage outlets you would need to be very conscious of that, so although it provided us with some beautiful ambience it also created some technical requirements with sun shading, window shading, fade resistance and all of those issues.   

U: The views from within the Club Stand are one of its greatest assets. How did the idea of views manifest in terms of the internal planning of program and the design of the spaces themselves?

JC: If you take a typical cross-section and let's say the glass is on the left and the core is on the right, we transition from floor to ceiling glass with limited amount of built environment up against the glass so that if people are standing up against the glass at the most exciting part of the race, they'll be drawn towards that, so we needed to ensure that lines of sight are retained.

Often we would place low lounge seating in corners where the diagonal view, because if you're looking at the track the horses come from the left and move to the right - we race in an anti-clockwise direction here in Victoria - so the finishing post is always on the right of the venue as you face out. We made sure that our seating to the right hand side was kept generally low - so that if you were within the food and beverage portion of the restaurant, the lower dining tables would be to the right and the higher bar seating would be located to the left side. 

In the case of the members dining area, where we have a large number of people to seat, we used the extra ceiling height to in fact ramp up a portion of the dining room, so that if you were further to the back, you were sitting the equivalent of two steps higher than the immediately adjacent dining area.

We created deliberate tiering and in Kristen's design of the architecture of the building, the interior is always a good height above its corresponding external circulation and seating. So that even if you had people seated inside and then outside on the bleachers, you're actually looking out over people's heads. 

U: And finally, are there any particular aspects of the design or spaces which really excite you? 

JC: I think the biggest challenge for us was the demolition of what was a much loved stand, that served the club well for nearly 100 years and in doing so, we're mindful of the destruction of some of the history of that club.  

At the same time, the club and ourselves wanted a very contemporary building that was forward looking and would take the club forward for the next 100 years but without losing some of the qualities.  

The challenge then became how do you maintain and ensure the history of a club that is founded on a rich tradition isn't lost while creating new built form? The memories of members are associated largely with the old stand and I thought we had a responsibility to craft a new memory, but take along some of the aspects of the past without it being cheesy, but was also contemporary. And I think we achieved that.  

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/281718499" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>

<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://vimeo.com/281718499">The new Club Stand, Victoria Racing Club</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/batessmart">Bates Smart</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.

Lead Image Credit: Pat Scala. (L-R) Graham Cottam (Multiplex), Kristen Whittle (Bates Smart), Amanda Elliott (VRC Chariman), Jeff Copolov (Bates Smart)
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Laurence Dragomir

Bates Smart celebrates the completion of the new Club Stand for the Victorian Racing Club 

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Multiplex, a global contractor, has completed the Victoria Racing Club’s (VRC) new $128 million Club Stand at the Flemington Racecourse.
Designed by Bates Smart Architects, the five-level Club Stand (pictured above) is the 10th grandstand to be built at Flemington since 1865.
VRC Chairman Amanda Elliott said the Club is delighted to reach this significant milestone ahead of its hallmark events in the spring racing season.
According to Multiplex, construction of The Club Stand generated an estimated 350 full-time equivalent jobs over the 18-month construction period with a peak workforce of 435 workers on site.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/8/3/Flem%202.jpg" alt="">
 
Approximately 1,500 tonnes of steel were used during construction with one tower crane and up to six mobile cranes on-site each day during the main structural steel construction period.
It offers 360-degree views of the Mounting Yard, race track, Members Lawn, Parade Ring, Betting Ring and Winning Post.
Multiplex recently completed a similar project, the redevelopment of Randwick Racecourse (pictured below) for Australian Turf Club in 2013.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/8/3/Randy%20race.JPG" alt="">
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

New Flemington racecourse club stand has been completed

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The Victoria Racing Club has appointed Multiplex to build a new stand at Flemington Racecourse to the value of $128 million.
The five level Club Stand, designed by Bates Smart Architects is the 10th grandstand to be build at Flemington since 1865. Construction is slated to begin after the 2016 Melbourne Cup Carnival.
The new Club Stand will feature 360 degree views of the Mounting Yard, race track, Members Lawn, Parade Ring, Betting Ring and Winning Post. 
A first floor walkway will connect the Club Stand t to the existing Members Stand and Parade Ring. A new north-south corridor will form the heart of the new Club Stand and will also link the Betting Ring with the Members Lawn and Mounting Yard. 
The Members Lawn will also be enlarged as part of the project and seamlessly linked to function spaces on Level One by a grand sloping tier of seating encompassing viewing platforms and gardens.
A rooftop garden will be built on level five.
Graham Cottam, regional managing director at Multiplex said the new Club Stand is world-class and will deliver a completely new experience for racing patrons.
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Flemington Racecourse

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