At the beginning of the Premier Tower project, the client, Singapore's Fragrance Group, faced several significant challenges. The primary concern was to design a structure that could effectively address the unique site and climatic constraints of its location at the west end of Melbourne’s CBD. The client needed a solution that would optimize structural dispersion, frequency oscillation, and wind resistance, all while maintaining an aesthetically striking design. Additionally, the complex façade requirements, including the bespoke hybrid system with silver reflective glass and multiple façade types, posed a challenge in terms of both design and implementation. Ensuring the building's functionality and luxury appeal, with amenities like a swimming pool, gym, and exclusive club access, further added to the project's complexity. Engaging Inhabit for full façade consulting services was crucial in addressing these concerns and achieving the desired outcome.
Premier Tower in Melbourne: A Masterpiece of Parametric Design and Structural Innovation.
Client
Fragrance Group
Scope
Façade consulting
Architect
Elenberg Fraser
Award
- 2021 Emporis Skyscraper Award – 7th in world’s top 10
The Premier Tower in Melbourne, Australia, is a striking 78-storey skyscraper designed by architects Elenberg Fraser, who employed parametric modelling and extensive research to address site-specific and climatic challenges. Situated at the west end of Melbourne’s CBD, near the Docklands and Southern Cross Station, the tower’s fluid curves optimize mass distribution, structural dispersion, frequency oscillation, and wind resistance. Developed by Singapore's Fragrance Group, the building features 780 residential apartments over 68 levels, a 7-level podium with a 175-room hotel, and ground-level retail in a frameless double-height glass arcade. The tower boasts luxurious amenities, including a swimming pool, gym, lounges, and exclusive club access for residents. The façade, characterized by a bespoke hybrid system with silver reflective glass, gives the building its unique silhouette. Inhabit was engaged to provide full façade consulting services, ensuring the successful implementation of the innovative façade designs. Inhabit got involved by leveraging their expertise in façade engineering, ultimately winning the project through their commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable solutions.
The challenge.
Our added value.
The Premier Tower in Melbourne stands out as a remarkable example of innovative and sustainable architecture, driven by advanced parametric modelling and meticulous research. This 78-storey structure, designed by Elenberg Fraser, leverages fluid curves to optimize mass distribution, structural dispersion, frequency oscillation, and wind resistance, making it a technical marvel. The building's façade is particularly noteworthy, featuring a bespoke stepped and facetted hybrid system with silver reflective glass, which not only gives the tower its distinctive silhouette but also enhances its energy efficiency. The use of multiple façade types, including a double-height frameless glass fin façade and vertical 45-degree glazed louvres, showcases a sophisticated approach to both aesthetics and functionality.
The Premier Tower’s dimensions and materials were carefully selected to address the unique site and climatic constraints of its location at the west end of Melbourne’s CBD. The tower houses 780 residential apartments over 68 levels, a 7-level podium with a 175-room hotel, and ground-level retail in a monumental frameless double-height glass arcade. This integration of residential, commercial, and retail spaces within a single structure highlights a sustainable urban design approach, reducing the need for transportation and promoting a live-work-play environment.
Egis, through Inhabit, played a crucial role by providing full façade consulting services, ensuring the successful implementation of these complex façade systems. The project’s sustainable approach is further emphasized by the inclusion of luxury amenities such as a swimming pool, gym, residential lounges, and an exclusive club, all designed to enhance the quality of life for residents while minimizing environmental impact. The Premier Tower exemplifies how cutting-edge design, innovative materials, and sustainable methodologies can come together to create an iconic and functional urban landmark.
