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An Urban Sanctuary – Paragon by Fender Katsalidis
Melbourne’s skyline has a new addition: a striking glass tower, complete with a diagonal grid pattern criss-crossing its reflective surface. That tower is home to Paragon, a new multi-residence by local architecture firm Fender Katsalidis, right in the heart of the CBD.
At street level, you see the restored façade of the 1876-built former Celtic Club and instantly know this is not just any high-rise. Paragon is home to an elevated indoor forest (Australia’s first), with three levels of mature trees, leafy canopies, climbing gardens and grassy spaces. It is all there for residents to enjoy – alongside terrazzo and outdoor seating – offering a lush, nature-filled oasis in the middle of the city.
Towering above this unique conservatory- like space are the residences – of which there are a maximum of only six per level. Full-height marble columns in the communal areas make a grand statement, juxtaposing with the soft chairs and nooks that invite residents and guests to curl up in.
Beyond the lounges there is a library, private theatre, swimming pool and fully equipped gym that, together, create the feeling that Paragon is its own neighbourhood – a place to connect with one another or retreat into your own calming space.
The apartments themselves have a feeling of pure, contemporary luxury. Dark timber is used for clever storage that looks sleek when shut and reveals equally thoughtful spaces when open. Marble makes appearances in kitchen counter tops and ceiling-skimming display cases. Staircases are sculptural; hallways have touches of dark, sumptuous gold. Full height glazing in each apartment is the finishing touch, bringing natural light into the spaces and making it truly feel like an urban sanctuary.
