A look at what inspires developers when creating new projects

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High-rise, low-rise and everything in between – the bar is continuously being pushed higher by developers looking to create unique designs. They look to projects by acclaimed architects who push the boundaries of shape, texture and colour.

These pioneers include France’s Jean Nouvel who designed the Torre Glories, a bullet-shaped skyscraper in Barcelona, and Denmark’s Bjarke Ingels, who divided opinions with the spiky exterior of VM Houses in Copenhagen.

Closer to home, acclaimed architectural studio Fender Katsalidis created Eureka Tower, an iconic Melbourne landmarks. It soars higher than 300 metres and, fittingly, the top seven levels of the tower are coated in gold in a reference to the Ballarat gold fields of Victoria, where the legend of the Eureka Rebellion was born.

Developers both locally and internationally use unique themes to attract different types of buyers. For nature lovers, there’s the growing popularity of the “greenscrapers” – high-rise buildings covered with plants to absorb sunlight and aid energy efficiency.

For art lovers, there’s the rise of sculptured buildings with complex twists and turns. Many developers are cognisant of urban settings and ensure their creations balance innovation with assimilation.

This is the case for Melbourne-based developer Lowe Living. Managing director Emma Lowe says its design team often looks to local architecture for inspiration.

“We ensure that each building blends into the local environment as though it has been there forever, nodding to the historic architecture and context, which we know our clients certainly appreciate,” she says.

“We employ low-maintenance materials that are attractive to the type of buyer we typically appeal to, being the downsizer and luxury residential owner-occupier market.

“The materials will always be timeless to ensure the building improves with age.”

Lowe says inspiration needs to come from multiple sources for a rich and multifaceted design.

“As a design-led developer, we are driven by good design,” she says.

“It is our passion and we are constantly looking to architecture projects from around the world, both past and present, for inspiration, and take particular note of architectural elements whenever we visit a new location.”

There’s something for everyone on the market for a new apartment, with developers impressing buyers with designs delivering both aesthetics and functionality.

In Canberra, developer Geocon has used the oldest source of inspiration – nature – for its latest development in Greenway. It incorporates the alpine views of Brindabella Mountain and Lake Tuggeranong and is named Aspen Village in homage to the ski village in Colorado.

“When we decide to develop a project, we always look for the best location with a great view, so Aspen Village is located in the premier location in the centre of Tuggeranong,” says Jack Ison, senior development manager at Geocon.

“You can enjoy 360-degree views of the mountain and the lake.”

Aspen Village, which is a joint venture partnership with Canberra-based developer Empire, is now in the second stage of development. This stage is called Black Diamond in reference to the diamond-shaped buildings designed by Geocon.

The project will comprise more than 600 apartments and includes a collection of exclusive amenities for residents. This includes The Summit – a 2200-square-metre rooftop entertaining space fitted out with an infinity pool and spa, barbecue area, bar and chef’s kitchen, dining facilities and lounge spaces and, of course, a wood-lined sauna.