Nautically Influenced – Gem by Elenberg Fraser

Reinterpreting its context and previous narrative, Gem takes on cues from wind moving through sails and a staggered massing approach to reflect the area’s nautical past and positioning. Elenberg Fraser combines a heightened luxury in the recent Williamstown harbourside residences in a bid to redefine the multi-residential typology.

Sitting to the inner west of Melbourne in Williamstown, Gem takes reference from the surrounding context and immerses itself in place by way of form and a matched approach to massing. While its location and distance from the city would traditionally warrant a diluted approach, this multi-residential template takes a much higher road and instead is founded on principles of luxury and an elevated lived experience. In its maritime setting, the resulting structure takes influence from a subtly nautical approach, and instead of instilling a clichéd mix of buoys and rope into the spaces, takes influence of the movement of wind through sails and the dynamism of the sea, in a more layered approach. Elenberg Fraser uses an abstraction of contextual language to propose a series of homes that tap into an enduring relevance.

By analysing the negative aspects of apartment living, the proposal aims to embrace lessons learned around increased density in urban environments.

Together with landscaping by Tract Consultants, the overall form is staggered, mirroring the neighbouring array of different scaled buildings, ensuring a more integrated weaving in of the new with the existing. The overall mass is divided into two to allow for the penetration of natural light and ventilation deep into each of the spaces and increase the climate comfort in the process. By analysing the negative aspects of apartment living, the proposal aims to embrace lessons learned around increased density in urban environments. The division results in two cores from which shorter corridors connect the residences and create a more community-focused feel in the process. The separation also creates dual frontage and an ability to express form, create identity, and engage on multiple façades.

As an extension of the nautical inspiration is an inherent robustness integrated throughout, which is expressed through intentionally lasting materiality and a timeless approach. The use of muted tone instead of feature finishes and a trend-influenced approach ensure the homes will continue to remain relevant. The use of high-quality materials and details also heightens the everyday experience, through the tactile engagement with joinery and other specialty designed pieces.

As an extension of the nautical inspiration is an inherent robustness integrated throughout, which is expressed through intentionally lasting materiality and a timeless approach.

Gem lives up to its name, standing as a beacon in its context, aspirational in its remit to enhance the non-inner city apartment experience. With subtlety, Elenberg Fraser responds to context and creates a series of homes that should age beautifully in place.