For Space Atelier a project always begins with a conversation. In this case, with long time collaborator Sahba Abedian and his newest project Greenmount by Abedian & Co on the Gold Coast. Always highly collaborative and built on the foundation of trust, their design process focused on the architectural intent, concept and vision for the residences. ‘Space Atelier’s work always begins and ends with our client’s vision,' Hartikainen remarks, defining an approach that is personal and inviting. 'Their warmth and humour and the joy of a life lived. Ideally it feels like a home with elements that are enjoyed and cherished, not just in form, but in spirit. When you start with a conversation you understand the full picture.’
Meet Greenmount, Abedian & Co’s latest collaboration with Space Atelier
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Ask Sahba Abedian of Abedian & Co about the importance of design and he’ll share the story of an evolving design approach that combines knowledge and a depth of experience honed by his family’s development company over four decades. Nuanced and collaborative and involving the Space team for nearly 20 of those years, the Abedians’ journey began with the launch of the Sunland Group, the highly regarded, publicly listed property development company that operated across Australia. Their expertise now defined by a multi-awarded list of standout buildings, from Yve and Balencea in Melbourne, to the Gold Coast’s Q1 Resort & Spa, Australia’s tallest building, and Palazzo Versace, the world’s first fashion branded hotel.
‘We've always had the ethos and philosophy that architecture is a form of art,’ Sahba Abedian remarks. ‘Coming from that strong design background, architecture s something that has fundamentally animated and guided us. We’re constantly giving thought to how we push the frontiers of innovative design thinking and the dynamic relationship we have with the Space team compliments that. The design aesthetic, the way we give thought to materials and fixed finishings, the soft furnishings and additional personal details. The brands that we like are exclusive to Space so I think that adds another dimension.' For Greenmount, that process involved collaborating with Space and Glas Italia on Greenmount’s customised mirrors, with Listone Giordano on oak flooring, and with Milan-based multi-disciplinary studio Morghen and the experimental artisan brand Bocci, on a series of unique lighting designs.
'We’re constantly giving thought to how we push the frontiers of innovative design thinking and the dynamic relationship we have with the Space team compliments that.'
Sahba Abedian, Director, Abedian & Co.
It is this ethos that shapes Abedan & Co’s newest development, Greenmount, an adventurous residential project on the Gold Coast that has just broken ground. With only a handful of north facing residential sites along this stretch of golden sand, Greenmount is special. Looking north to Broadbeach and south over Rainbow Bay Beach to Snapper Rocks, it’s an iconic panorama that has made this coastline internationally famous.
‘When you have a site as unique as Greenmount residences, it deserves an equally unique piece of architecture. The Gold Coast as a city is the sixth largest in the country and it has matured tremendously. The area is experiencing a renaissance and the sense of renewal is creating opportunities for residential living. If you look at the scale of the apartments for Greenmount, everything is oversized and there is a real sense of amenity.’
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‘The site is anchored by two beautiful pods, it’s very much this idea that water, nature and the built form connect as one.’
Sahba Abedian, Director, Abedian & Co.
Inspired by the shape of Norfolk Pines that cradle the site, the architecture of Greenmount’s two organic pods taper in and out ‘wrapped’ in an undulating veil of glass. Within the complex form, every floor is different. With just 61 apartments across the two towers, amenities have been generously integrated to support an active lifestyle. An indoor 25-metre lap pool, a wellbeing space with cold plunges, his and her saunas, steam rooms and magnesium pools. A dedicated yoga and reformer pilates studio, Techno gym and children's experience centre, a business centre with private meeting rooms and office suites, private dining rooms and lounge. There’s also a produce precinct to grow herbs, vegetables and fruit, further strengthening community and connection.
‘I don't believe that there is any other residential development in Australia that has this level of amenity akin to resort style facilities, it’s dedicated to the entire ground plane. The site is anchored by two beautiful pods and the idea that water, nature and the built form connect as one. The form of the building follows the curved glass that’s shaped like a beautiful wave, so it's quite unique in terms of the level of aesthetic but also the complexity of the design. While materially, it’s very rich and layered with a considered approach that allows residents to personalise with their own furniture and aesthetic.’
‘The layers don’t compete with the architecture, they deepen the experience of it... where every touch point enhances the connection between form, function and feeling.'
David Hartikainen, Space Atelier
For Space Atelier a project always begins with a conversation. In this case, with long time collaborator Sahba Abedian. The highly collaborative process built on the foundation of trust, the approach focused on the architectural intent, the design concept and vision for the residences. Working closely with Abedian to craft unique and custom responses, Space Atelier’s creative team looked at the furniture, flooring, lighting and texture, and what Hartikainen describes as the critical task of shaping how the interiors are perceived and felt.
‘The layers don’t compete with the architecture, they deepen the experience of it.' Hartikainen explains. 'It becomes less about observing the architecture from a distance and more about living within it, where every touchpoint enhances the connection between form, function and feeling. Working with Sahba, there’s a boldness and a braveness to the approach. Even at this early stage it’s been a great outcome for the interiors, and a breath of fresh air in the development market.’
That experience starts at ground level where the surrounding pines, landscaped gardens and ponds elevate the interiors. Welcomed by a beautiful internal arbor, the arched pathway shapes a sensory journey throughout the building and grounds, while apartments have a tonal neutrality that is elegantly detailed and provides a backdrop to build upon. On the interior, textures, finishes and furniture include custom designed Glas Italia mirrors, Brazilian stone kitchen bench tops and limestone in cream ivory, with Poliform wardrobes for the master suites. When curating the collections for the display suite and interiors, the team wanted to create spaces that would be unique to the Queensland market. This involved a collaboration with Milanese designers Morghen Studio who developed new lighting scenarios for the lobby and apartments, and timeless furniture pieces by the iconic Italian brand Baxter, their classical proportions and contemporary perspective complementing the architecture.
’A lot of thinking goes into how each space will provide a sense of wellbeing and inspiration, so what we're trying to do is create the opportunity for that to crystallise,’ adds Abedian. ‘Greenmount is where our clients will call home, where dreams are conceived and become reality, so the building has to be conducive to those things. It’s very elegant. I think it will redefine residential living.'