The new amenities that are must-haves for luxury apartment buyers

Too often, apartment amenities are somewhat of an afterthought — a generic set of boxes to tick before going to market, like a gym with a handful of dumbbells or a concierge that’s seemingly never there. 

A new chapter of luxury apartment design includes amenities that rival those of five-star hotels and share the spotlight with the residences for sale.

This trend reflects a growing desire among CBD prestige property buyers for more than a lap pool. 

They have an appetite for saunas and spa-like treatment spaces with Instagrammable fit-outs, as well as private reading nooks and on-site conference rooms. 

Stuart Marsland, principal at architecture firm Rothelowman, has keenly observed this trend in recent years. 

“People are expecting facilities that actually are usable,” he says. “People want to feel like they’re part of a community but also want some privacy.”

Marsland is part of the Rothelowman team working on a new Far East Consortium development in the Melbourne CBD that promises to elevate apartment amenities.

A 68-level tower housing 606 apartments, 640 Bourke Street will soar behind the heritage 1925 Eliza Tinsley building.

More than 3000 square metres – spread across four floors, including two whole levels – will be dedicated to amenities.

“I think people will be, not overwhelmed, but in awe of how much space has been dedicated to the amenities,” Marsland says. 

All residents will have access to the Wellness House and the Social House in the main apartment tower.

However, buyers of residences in the Eliza Collection (top third of the building and all three-bedroom apartments) will have exclusive access to space on part of two additional floors fitted with remarkable facilities in the original Eliza Tinsley building. 

Inspired by Turkish hammams, the Wellness House features a 25-metre pool that extends beneath a series of arches, with surrounding chambers housing a steam room, dry and infrared saunas, and a changing room.

In the adjacent 300-square-metre gym, residents can access a large selection of weights, cardio and stretching equipment.

One storey above is the Social House, featuring extensive recreational spaces, including multiple lounges and bars.

Residents can entertain guests in the private dining room, belt out a tune in the karaoke room, catch the latest match in the sports bar, or play pool in the billiard room.

A movie theatre will seat eight to 10 people and, similar to the private dining room, can be accessed by residents via a booking system.

In the exclusive historic Eliza Tinsley building, Eliza Collection apartment buyers can unwind in a mindfulness room or relax in the salt room, a therapeutic space filled with salt particles that are inhaled and absorbed into the body.

Another therapy room in this wing is reminiscent of a day spa with massage tables and chairs, where residents can dedicate a day to pampering.

For those seeking a creative experience, the art therapy room will serve as a multipurpose space that can cater to small group classes or events, such as art classes or floral arranging. 

The amenities continue in another movie theatre, a library, a games room, more private dining space and a piano salon with an eye-catching grand piano.

“It is a focal point of the heritage area,” Marsland says, “a bit like a hotel might have a grand piano in the lobby.”

Far East Consortium’s Lauren Sheldon says the developer’s decisions not to offer studio apartments and to restrict any short-term lets in the building will elevate the project.

“The true compliment to a developer is that your project will stand the test of time, and 640 Bourke Street will do just that.”

640 Bourke St

640 Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC 3000

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