Blending perfectly with its surrounds, Topaz Parkdale presents a modernist approach to relaxed coastal living. Close to Port Phillip Bay and a short walk to Parkdale Village, this thoughtful development by Lowe Living, in conjunction with Chamberlain Architects, combines an enduring expression of design excellence and immaculate attention to detail and craftsmanship.
Comprising four generously proportioned town homes, alongside 18 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, this unique development is sensitive to its location, offering bright, airy spaces with a focus on liveability and a strong connection to the outdoors.
Topaz Parkdale town home entry
The development’s delicately articulated external facade has a timeless, low-maintenance palette of contrasting brickwork and metal cladding. It combines Brick Inlay panels, featuring Rustic Grey brick tiles, standard brick construction using identical Rustic Grey bricks, along with metal cladding and cement sheet on batters.
The entire site stretches for 100m, with the block of 18 apartments facing the Nepean Highway, Parkdale, and the town homes facing the more tranquil Thomas Court. It was critical for the design to mediate between the two street frontages’ distinctly different contexts. The choice of contrasting Krause Grey brick tiles and face bricks helps to do this, referencing the predominant building material in the area and helping to break down the scale of the apartment building on the Nepean Highway.
One of the most appealing aspects of this design is the connection to landscape at every opportunity. Floor-to-ceiling windows and full height glass doors lead to secluded balconies and courtyards, extending the living spaces. Jack Merlo’s landscape design complements the clean architectural lines – his lush plantings draping off balconies, private courtyards providing beautifully landscaped backdrops to internal spaces, and tall trees creating privacy for residents and their neighbours. This abundance of landscaped open spaces delivers a lush suburban feel.
“Topaz Parkdale is inspired by its desirable location,” explains Lowe Living managing director Tim Lowe. “One of the most unique aspects of Topaz Parkdale is the relationship between architecture, landscaping and surrounds. These elements have all been carefully considered to create a sense of sanctuary, synonymous with a relaxed beachside lifestyle.”
Inside, attention to detail continues with a sophisticated palette of contemporary materials, including warm, inviting timbers, and crisp marble and tiles throughout generous living spaces, a fully-equipped kitchen and spacious bedrooms. Every luxury has been thought of and included.
Beautifully textured Krause bricks and brick tiles
Topaz Parkdale delivers a sophisticated, modern development with a laidback bay-side vibe. It’s no surprise that all apartments were sold off-the-plan, and all but one town home is now occupied. Most surprising and impressive is that the whole development was built throughout Covid, and managed to stick to its timeline, delivering a completed project in February 2023. It’s testament to a superb team effort. Lowe Living and Chamberlain Architects are to be congratulated for delivering such a thoughtful and timeless design that will be admired in the suburb for many years to come.
Project details
Developer: Lowe Living
Architect: Chamberlain Architects
Builder: Lowe Living
Product: Brick Inlay with Kruse Rustic Grey bricks and brick tiles
Bricklayer: Broski Brick and Block
Landscape Design: Jack Merlo
Precaster: Lux Precast
Photographer: Dave Kulesza
Top image: Topaz Parkdale's Brick Inlay facade of Krause Grey brick tiles
