Melbourne City Council has approved the planning application for Artisan Architects’ newly designed 37 storey building in Southbank.

Developed by LK Property Group, The Opus Tower features a classic colour palette of black and white, crowned with gold. It will be wrapped in lightweight metal cladding and textured concrete to create a dynamic composition, allowing the building to stand strong against the nearby Eureka Tower.

As its name suggests, ‘opulence’ is a key part of the interiors, with curved, gold chained walls greeting residents and visitors in the lobby. Within each unit, floor to ceiling windows offer city views with sleek timber flooring underfoot. The kitchens are designed to be seamless with the living areas, featuring Essastone benchtops and stainless steel Fisher & Paykel appliances against glass splashbacks.

Themes of elegance and luxury extend into the modular bathrooms, with long clean lines thrown in contrast with textured details to create a visual impact. Practicality is also at the fore, with a concealed euro laundry considerately integrated with the bathroom.

To include a ground floor retail precinct and 246 apartments, the approval of the Opus Tower was delayed by approximately four years, with Urban Melbourne reporting that plans for the site first emerged in 2010, although they were rejected by Melbourne City Council.

Revised planning documents with changes to the building’s internal podium configurations were submitted in late 2013, although this was yet again not approved. The project was only given the green light by Council this year, and after the external façade design was amended resubmitted.

The Opus Tower sits near the Crown Entertainment Complex, National Gallery of Victoria, and Royal Botanic Gardens.

Images courtesy of The Opus Tower