Atop a nine level podium of restaurants, cafes, parking and concierge facilities will stand 438 apartments in the new ‘Platinum’ building planned for Melbourne’s Southbank precinct.

Designed by Squillace architects, the 52 level mixed use development ‘Platinum’ has a $280 million price tag and is expected to be ready for occupancy in June 2016.

Brookfield Multiplex was given the tender for the development by property owners Salvo Property Group and will construct a predominately precast and double glazed glass facetted shell supported by concrete CFA piles, a single concrete core and superstructure with post tensioned slabs.

At the crown of the building, a 10 level bronze and indigo colour glass curtain wall will protect the upper-level residences and penthouses. Three metallic colour blades extend out of this top frame while metallic painted precast feature elements wrap the rest of the building.

Above: The building's slight offset from the angle of the corner of City Road and Clarke Street emphasises its crown facade feature. 

A living vertical garden of bougainvillea and star jasmine will give levels two to eight a natural foliage feature, while rainwater harvesting and re-use for landscaping, water efficient fixtures and appliances, allocation for 170 bicycle racks and high performance glazing will contribute to the building’s sustainability rating.

Above: Bougainvillea and Star Jasmine climb the nine storey podium of the building. 
Below: The highest pool in Melbourne is 15-metres long and will sit on the 52nd storey of Platinum. 

The 438 apartments will be divided into one, two, three and four bedroom configurations. The uppermost tower level will house a swimming pool, sauna, spa, gym, private dining, wintergardens and sky lounge with views of Melbourne CBD, Albert Park and Port Phillip Bay.

Platinum is one of two skyscrapers planned by Salvo Property Group for the former Crazy John's headquarters on the corner of City Road and Clarke Street. The towers will be SPG's largest developments.

Construction is set to begin in July this year and projected to take two full years to complete. 

All images: Squillace