5 hours Ago By Orchard Piper
Paying homage to Melbourne’s iconic bluestone-clad architectural heritage, Orchard Piper’s The Carter Building offers luxurious living in the heart of the city. Situated on the tree-lined boulevard of St Kilda Road, close to top inner-city parklands and the vibrant arts precinct, the development draws inspiration from iconic buildings like the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). The project, a joint venture between The Carter Group and Melbourne developer Orchard Piper, is designed by Perth-based Kerry Hill Architects .
Offering 54 premium residences, including two penthouses, a world-class spa, and an integrated five-star hotel, it blends modern sophistication with a distinctive façade. Orchard Piper Director Luke McKie explained The Carter Building combines first-class living with easy access to public transport, including the new Anzac Metro Station and Toorak Road interchange. "St Kilda Road is Melbourne’s grand old boulevard, and our site is located at the intersection of three of Melbourne’s best parklands: the Botanical Gardens, Fawkner Park, and Albert Park.
" The timeless bluestone façade is unmistakably emblematic of Melbourne’s architectural heritage. Mr. McKie explained that the goal was to ensure the building reflects Melbourne’s character by embracing the city's iconic foundation bluestone.
"The building is clad in the same stone as the NGV. This choice pays homage to the architectural landmark and serves as the bookend to the architectural story along St Kilda Road, from the CBD to The Carter Building," he said. Co-Director Rick Gronow added, "Using natural materials nods to Melbourne’s heritage.
"It reflects iconic buildings along St Kilda Road, from the NGV to Melbourne Grammar to Victoria Barracks." Homes within The Carter Building are thoughtfully designed to emphasise proportion, space, and volume, offering a sense of calmness and elegance. Owners will enjoy the saw-cut stone entryways that seamlessly transition to warm oak timber flooring.
Floor-to-ceiling windows and high ceilings provide expansive views and flood each room with natural light. In a unique 'vertical community' approach, residents will experience next-level indulgence and convenience with on-site services and amenities. These include concierge, valet, housekeeping, room service, a swimming pool, sauna, and a fully-equipped gymnasium, among other amenities typically found in a luxury hotel.
Dining and social spaces such as a restaurant, bar, ground-floor café, and lobby lounge are also available to residents. Additionally, a top-level golf simulator is ready and waiting for those wanting to practice their putt. The Carter Building is very much targeted at ‘ease of living', appealing to a market that expects quiet luxury and convenience, explained Mr McKie.
"There will naturally be downsizers within this cohort but also professionals and those who travel frequently and want the convenience of on-site amenities and services within the building," he said. "The standout benefit is that they can enjoy these at a discounted owners’ corporation rate, as the hotel covers the majority of the costs. "This allows for a significantly higher level of service than what a standard owners’ corporation could typically provide.
" Each of the penthouses boasts four bedrooms, offering ample space and comfort for residents. Featuring warm timber interiors, high-quality materials, and beautiful entranceways, the interior design is neutral enough for buyers to put their own stamp on their homes. "This is the first time we’ve offered entry-level homes below $1 million on a project," Mr.
McKie said. "They are oversized units for their accommodation, and a lot of units have second living areas, dedicated studies, and there are sculleries and butler’s pantries in all of the larger apartments. "The key feature of the lobby spaces is there are only three apartments on each side of the lobby.
You hop out of the lift, and to the right there are three doors, and to the left there are three doors, which for a 17-storey building is pretty special." Mr. McKie said a level of customisation could be accommodated early in the sales process.
Buyers who purchase before construction starts can also benefit from reduced stamp duty , providing significant savings on their overall costs. Construction will start in mid-2025, with completion expected by the end of 2027..
