First look: Boutique apartment plans lodged for Bellevue Hill
Dreamers of owning a property in Bellevue Hill might soon have a chance to enter the market at a lower entry point compared to the sprawling estates the harbourside suburb is known for.
And the opportunity is set to arise on Fairfax Road, one of Bellevue Hill's most exclusive streets, near the Packer family's 1.2 hectare Cairnton estate.
Plans have been lodged by the Sutherland Shire-base Nivana Group, who are seeking to turn a 1930s, Art Deco low-rise at 3 Fairfax Road into a three-level apartment project, designed to fit into the eclectic mix of houses that line the Eastern Suburb’s streets while adapting and creating something new in the locale.
Designed by Sydney locals MHN Design Union, the $5.5 million development will see just four three-bedroom apartments developed, and one four-bedroom penthouse.
"The unit mix is consistent with market demand and represents a wide range of apartment buyers, users, and typologies,” MHNDU said in their design statement.
“It will suit the demographic mix of families, retirees, and down-sizers living within the surrounding area, while the layouts are flexible and adaptable to allow for future conversion if needed.”
An attempt has been made to minimise the bulk and scale of the building, with the architects utilising a bi-partite form that incorporates an articulated facade and adequate setbacks between neighbouring buildings. The masonry building will feature regular openings, deep reveals, columns and solid panel walls to provide a rhythm of light and shadowed elements against a white textured render, along with clear glass and light bronze metal trims and detailing.
Render of the Bellevue Hill project. Credit: MHNDU
Low retaining walls and landscaping soften the barrier along the street footpath, with curved concrete walls signalling the entrance to the building.
Generously sized, each of the apartments include expansive balconies or terraces, with the floorplans designed to maximise solar access and cross flow ventilation in all the living spaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living spaces also take advantage of view lines to the east and north.
Just two apartments will grace the first two levels of the building, each with three-bedrooms and three-bathrooms. Benefitting from access to the private garden area at the rear of the site, the apartments will also benefit from direct access to two swimming pools which are located at the front of the site.
The penthouse apartment will feature four-bedrooms and four en-suited bathrooms, along with various private outdoor covered terraces, including one adjoining the living area facing the cliff and rear garden, one at the front of the apartment and one from the master-bedroom.
“The proposed floor space represents a desirable outcome for the ordered growth within the area, with minimal impact on the amenity of existing neighbours," the report continued.
“The private open areas of the apartments are deep enough to be comfortably furnished, while also being long to accommodate a variety of outdoor uses.”
All apartments are provided with plenty of internal storage areas within the apartment, including a laundry/linen cupboard with space for a washing machine, dryer and tub, with additional secured storage provided within the one-level basement, which will also accommodate space for parking.
Volker Klemm have handled the landscaping designs for the project, with deep perimeter planting proposed. Maximised across the ground floor where possible, the landscaping will not only provide significant screening and privacy, but also create a leafy oasis for residents to relax and unwind among.
Located just under four-kilometres from the Sydney CBD, future residents will also be near to the Double Bay town centre, which is a short 200-metre stroll from the site, with the Eastern Suburbs neighbourhood well connected to a range of convenient amenity, including schools, hospitals, restaurants and recreational offerings.