Dual build-to-rent towers proposed for Brisbane’s Hamilton

Fender Katsalidis has designed a 23-storey dual-tower build-to-rent development in Brisbane's Hamilton, which is poised for major development as the site of the 2032 Olympics' main athletes village.

The proposed development, submitted for approval to state government planning authority Economic Development Queensland, would include 560 apartments, including studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom units. They will not be used to house athletes.

Fender Katsalidis was appointed to the project through a design competition.

"For build-to-rent projects to succeed, it is crucial that architects provide the framework for residents to truly love where they live and connect with the neighbours," said Fender Katsalidis partner Nicky Drobis. "At Hamilton, we have thought deeply about the established neighbourhood and lifestyle, and the role these towers can play in this community's bright future by integrating with the forthcoming Olympic Village."

The design envisions two towers set on opposing diagonals to maximize views while minimizing visual bulk. The podium design echoes the orthogonal geometries of the wider site, with its articulation designed to correspond to different frontages along the street.

To distinguish the towers' frontages, "different rhythms, articulation and composition of glazing, concrete and screening" were applied "across the facade of the podium and towers," the design statement reads.

"The tower and podium proposed materiality correlate and responds to different uses, and simultaneously creates distinct aspects to all frontages. Through the use of similar materiality, arranged in distinctively varied façade composition, each built form within the precinct retains a unified identity within a diversity of architectural expression."

A landscape design statement prepared by Urbis describes a "densely planted green edge" that will surround the building, taking cues from the subtropical gorge.