When some people hear the words 'townhouse' or 'medium density', they immediately switch off.
But there is a new way of doing medium density living, and one of the prime, high-end examples is a small scale development on the Brisbane River only six kilometres from the CBD.
Hamilton Reach is set on prime land, nestled between 550 metres of river frontage and the Royal Queensland Golf Club.
This mixed residential design incorporates 159 apartments and terrace homes that capture the sub-tropical environment and invite a relaxed, peaceful lifestyle.
Built by Tomkins Commercial, the River Homes at Hamilton Reach are a collection of eight homes in a prestige residential development that connects luxury lifestyle to the unique surrounding landscape.
The River Homes won the Best Premium Small Scale Development Award in the 2019 UDIA QLD Awards for Excellence, and it's not hard to see why.
No expense was spared and the result is high-end living in an enviable position.
Most notable from the outside is the commitment to diversity, while still maintaining an overall cohesive aesthetic.
One of the crucial factors in this effect is the use of timber screening and cladding.
Most notable from the outside is the commitment to diversity, while still maintaining an overall cohesive aesthetic.
The development required a superior and sustainably-managed timber that would blend into the environment, yet stand out as an architectural talking point.
The specifications of the design called for Boral shiplap cladding in blackbutt timber, renowned for its durability and modern look.
The blackbutt shiplap has a recess in the board which resembles a square groove. When the boards are placed together, this groove creates lines across the finished surface, which has proven a very popular profile with architects and designers.
Timber is the true highlight of this building.
The River Homes were determined to showcase quality Australian wood species.
Boral liaised closely with the timber supplier and builder in providing all the external cladding required for this enormous project.
Oiled blackbutt shiplap cladding covers an extensive portion of the front facade, including the balconies and eaves.
The rear facade of the building is also covered in blackbutt shiplap cladding, which was primed and painted.
Other features of the homes include private commercial grade lift servicing three levels, an entire floor devoted to the master suite with study, sitting room and walk-in robe, and seamless indoor and outdoor living and entertaining areas.
A highlight are stunning nine-metre-high voids in the living areas with floor to ceiling windows providing uninterrupted views of the Brisbane River.
There is a spacious entertainer's kitchen featuring a butler's pantry, Miele appliances including dual ovens, steam oven, integrated Liebherr fridges and a 195-bottle wine cabinet.
Hamilton is one of the most affluent suburbs in Queensland, bordering the Brisbane River and Northshore Riverside Park.
The River Homes at Hamilton Reach both connect with and embrace these magnificent natural assets, with residents able to enjoy blue and green vistas which create a sense of space, right in the heart of inner city Brisbane.
