Inside QLD's Arc Residences with 50 metres of direct river frontage

Inspiration comes from the joining of dots, those disparate pieces of information that, by themselves, each say a little, but when they connect and form something much bigger and wholly new — well, that’s where the magic happens.

And that’s the case with the Arc Residences, a unique development of 27 three-bedroom apartments, crowned by one penthouse, perched on a unique site on the Brisbane River.

A relentless scouting mission for “unrepeatable” locations led developer, Spyre Group, to this unrivalled opportunity that sits opposite the heritage-listed Regatta Hotel on Coronation Drive in leafy Toowong. It’s just four kilometres from the Brisbane CBD.

What makes this site unique is its triangular shape of about 1500 square metres with 50 metres of direct river frontage; its position as a gateway to the northern suburbs; another as the first location on the approach to the city with land between the river and the road; and, finally, the sweeping vistas up, down and cross river that promise every resident their own forever view.

A unique site deserves an architectural expression that goes beyond simply creating a luxury experience for a fortunate few into something that confidently pushes the boundaries in innovation — a willingness to go boldly.

Kent Pinel, design manager at the Spyre Group, says it was essential the architecture works seamlessly with the site, and that led them back to Bureau Proberts, a trusted firm with whom they have worked on many other projects.

“This is a highly visual location, and we were after a built form that would lift it above its land and riverscapes. And we wanted something that would succinctly express the sub-tropical environment of south-east Queensland. It needed to belong here,” he says.

“We invested considerable time in determining the best solution, how we could maximise the potential of the site. We worked very closely with our partners and with the local council around the possibilities of what could be created.”

Terry McQuillan, director of Bureau Proberts, says the solution that has been visualised is a built form that acknowledges its triangular site and the sweeping arc it forms along the river.

“That has shaped the design and the context in which it sits. The sculpted form of the building has taken on many of the characteristics of the river with its bends, ripples and eddies,” he says.

“It has a sense of movement, of undulation, that is expressed through the building’s curves, secured by a solid, grounded base.”

Landscaping has also been integrated into the built form of the Arc Residences, greening it through the incorporation of niches for lush plantings.”

McQuillan says the greening strengthens the connection between indoors and outdoors and adds to resident amenity.

“We’re creating a living experience, not an outdoor or an indoor experience,” he says.

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The 27 three-bedroom apartments are offered through three overarching floor plans: City, River and St Lucia. City looks toward the CBD, River to the waterway and St Lucia downriver.

A typical floor plan offers an entry that leads through quieter zones, including sleeping quarters, study and informal living. Each of the three bedrooms enjoys its own indulgent en suite and wardrobes or walk-ins.

No expense has been spared in the fixtures, fittings and hand-crafted artisan finishes that begin in the marble entry of each apartment. And they muscle up with a cast of big-ticket brand names, including Wolf, V-ZUG, and Liebherr appliances, Earp Bros tiles, SOKTAS lighting, Brodware tapware and more.

Arc Residences

Toowong, QLD 4066

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The focal hub of the home is, of course, the expansive living, dining and kitchen experience – highlighted by a spectacular, sculptural island bench.

Kitchens are always a focal point for design thinking, but the Arc Residences have substantially subverted the paradigm with this Corian masterpiece that began life as a crazy brave idea that wouldn’t go away, according to Pinel.

“We ended up creating a prototype in our offices, working with a solid surface skilled master craftsman. I know many would not have gone the extra distance as we did with this, but the Arc Residences demanded that we push the design envelope,” he says.

Of course, the views are the stars from this living zone and can be enjoyed through seamless access to the outdoor terrace and entertaining area. Residents can also share and enjoy the amenity of a rooftop terrace that includes a pool and entertaining areas. Just the spot for an evening sundowner.