Jul 14, 2022

A robust and tactile Brick Inlay podium adds to Park Lane’s raw yet sophisticated palette

Brick Inlay blade wall, Park Lane — The timeless, sculptural form of Park Lane. Image: Peter Clarke

True to its namesake, Park Lane takes inspiration from surrounding parkland, delivering a timeless sculptural form to the bayside suburb of Elsternwick. Located on Riddell Parade, opposite the green lawns of Elsternwick Station Reserve, Park Lane offers both bay and park views and attracts an abundance of natural light from every aspect.

Citiplan’s most recent high-end development is masterfully designed by the team at Jackson Clements Burrows Architects (JCB), led by Graham Burrows, Director. This engaging development highlights the practice’s sophisticated design sensibilities and positively contributes to the evolving village precinct of Glenhuntly Rd and surrounds.

The 24 home-sized apartments are spread across 11 levels, including two luxury, two-storey penthouses. With state of the art spaces and only the finest fixtures, fittings and finishes, it’s no surprise that the apartments were well received by buyers.

Without doubt, the striking façade design is a standout.

Brick Inlay podium, Park Lane, with Midnight Blue brick tiles — The striking dark brick podium of Midnight Blue brick tiles

“The dark brick of the podium is softened by planted terraces to the apartments above. Upper levels on the east and west facades are articulated by a subtle green-hued zinc metal cladding that reflects both the hues of the parkland opposite and the ambient light conditions. Lightly polished concrete to the north façade is punctuated by deep window reveals positioned to maximise privacy and light. We selected all the materials for their durability and timeless appeal,” says Graham.

Park Lane’s dark Brick Inlay podium, featuring Midnight Blue brick tiles, reflects the neighbourhood village and suburban surrounds and is a striking, yet complementary contrast to the red brick of the neighbouring apartments, also designed by JCB.

“The design team really liked the variety in the Midnight Blue brick tiles. It’s a dynamic colour, and it tied in well with the other project materials. It also has a natural shimmer that complements the zinc façade above,” explains Sam Franklin, Associate.

Brick Inlay podium, narrow blade wall — Brick Inlay was the perfect solution to deliver Park Lane's blade wall

Brick Inlay panels are the perfect alternative to full brick for this design: “We wanted a one brick wide blade wall buttressing the lower level balconies and structurally, we simply couldn’t achieve that with face brickwork on this scale,” Sam continues.

The Midnight Blue brick tiles are not only used on the façade, but on the inside face of the balconies and are also carried into the building, on the ground floor entry, lobbies, and inside the lift; their black mortar a moody contrast to the lighter concrete mortar on the Brick Inlay façade.

On the upper levels, lightly polished concrete provides a brilliant contrast to the dark podium, its punctuated windows well-positioned to maximise light and privacy. The chamfered façade of crisp green-hued zinc on the top floors is striking and ensures the nearby children’s playground is not overshadowed by the building.

The level of craftmanship achieved in the geometry of the zinc façade is exceptional. Even moreso, given the significant challenges that were overcome in resolving the wind engineering, waterproofing and construction methodology.

Abundant plantings in the form of vertical landscaping and a network of pergolas and screens tie the apartments to the parkland opposite, softening and enlivening the angular built form. Like the rest of the build, the plantings are all designed to refine with age.

The façade’s natural, ageless aesthetic continues inside. The natural palette includes rich botanic joinery complementing stone, black steel accents and light European Oak floorboards. All apartments are generously proportioned and designed for entertaining, with terraces spanning entire living areas, soaking in the expansive views.

Inside Park Lane apartments, with Midnight blue brick tiles on the balcony — A natural, ageless aesthetic continues inside. Image: Peter Clarke

Despite its seemingly effortless elegance, behind Park Lane is a the genuine labour of love. The entire team is to be congratulated for successfully delivering such a challenging and well-considered design that will continue to be a striking point of difference in Elsternwick for many years to come.