Aspire

Aspire intertwines local stories that represent both the origins and future of Melbourne’s west end precinct. The sculptural form responds to nearby Flagstaff Gardens, the city’s oldest park, which is situated on one of two hills to the immediate north of the Yarra River (Birrarung). Between 1840 to 1857, the Gardens was the site of a flagpole – the highest point of the city – which formed a signal for ships sailing into port at Williamstown. Aspire’s concave and convex silver glass facades reinterpret the fluttering of a flag against that historic flagpole while the podium’s undulating curves echo the hills.

While subtly referencing both pre- and post-settlement history of the site, Aspire’s concept is a study in geometric symmetry and tall tower efficiency. The eight-sided structural solution enabled the project vision to be realised in a commercially viable way, a collaborative approach between architect, engineer and builder key to the built outcome. Pedestrian connectivity to Flagstaff Gardens was a key consideration for the design. Beyond physical connections, the park is interwoven within the building itself, with heavy planting creating green bands of foliage across the lower levels. Throughout the development, 75% of landscape is native planting with the aim of attracting pollinators and restoring local ecology.

During the gold rush of the mid-1800s, this part of the city was a flourishing commercial centre. The interior design explores stories of the people in Melbourne at that time, weaving them into spaces through a light, neutral palette, natural material selection and bespoke metal details referencing the search for precious metals. The sculptural geometry of the architecture is revealed internally through furniture and joinery.

The building’s amenity embodies next generation apartment living. A breathtaking pool hall with custom tiles is presented as an interlinked series of spaces, like the formations of a natural water hole. A 200-person ballroom is located on level 51 along with a bookable ‘park suite’ for private functions on level 41. These lifestyle amenities come together with Melbourne’s first completed private work club. Featuring a variety of spaces and library, the work club supports post-pandemic flexible working models while achieving efficiencies in apartment design.