The new era of penthouse living: wellness, service and excellent design

Today’s premium condo buyers are looking for properties that go above and beyond the standard offerings, turning instead to hotel-style properties to provide the luxury they’re looking for.

Fortunately for these buyers, Melbourne’s property market is evolving to meet their expectations, with new buildings prioritizing wellness amenities, hotel-level service and leading architectural design.

In the foreground is The Carter Building, now under construction by long-established design-led developer Orchard Piper.

Located in the heart of Melbourne at 448 St Kilda Road, The Carter Building’s premium residences are designed by renowned Kerry Hills Architects (KHA) and with amenities and services curated by hotel partner COMO Hotel and Resorts and Orchard Piper.

“​The Carter Building is a 17-storey project with residential properties on the top ten floors, and hotels and amenities on the bottom seven,” said Luke McKie, founder and director of Orchard Piper.

Mr McKie highlights that COMO is an industry leader, with 20 hotels, resorts and private islands around the world, and that securing a home serviced by the luxury global brand is an unmissable opportunity for Melbourne buyers.

“COMO is an incredible coup for Melbourne because they only have one other hotel in Australia, which is in Perth, The Treasury,” he says.

The benefit for residents of The Carter Building is that they can take full advantage of the wellness, service and design that comes with having a premium hotel in their building.

“There has been a major shift in people’s expectations. Even within the broad price range for this project, we are delivering on the expectation of a full range of amenities being provided to residents,” Mr McKie said.

Two exclusive penthouses

The two crowning penthouses in The Carter Building are designed as elevated homes rather than oversized apartments, drawing on KHA’s rare and highly sought-after approach to residential design.

KHA’s signature restraint and material opulence define the interiors, where bluestone, wood and stone create a sense of calm, permanence and quiet luxury more commonly found in the world’s most celebrated resorts.

Each home has four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms and four parking spaces, which unfold from a spacious entrance hall into large-scale living and dining areas.

Entertainment is central to the penthouse lifestyle, with a dedicated bar, wine cellar and significant outdoor space.

“The epitome of penthouse living with stunning views over the city, Albert Park Lake and Port Phillip Bay. Expansive terraces with plunge pools, fireplaces and indoor and outdoor living areas.” says Mr. McKie.

Inside, the spacious master suites are designed as private retreats, with oversized ensuites and Poliform closets that reflect the scale and comfort more commonly associated with a luxury home.

Prices for the penthouses are expected to exceed $18 million and some customization is possible.

“Buyers are in for something very special, with rare access to a KHA Residential Developments project best known for designing the Aman Resorts around the world,” Mr McKie added.

View the penthouses in our gallery

Hotel clerk lifestyle

An added luxury of being part of The Carter Building is that residents can enjoy hotel services* in their daily lives, from the convenience of valet parking to arranging private transfers to the airport.

These services reflect COMO Hotels and Resorts’ significant expertise in creating world-class experiences for guests and residents, with many of their hotels awarded Michelin Keys as a mark of their exceptional quality.

While other developments may offer wellness amenities, The Carter Building stands out with all the amenities of a luxury development and access to a world-renowned COMO Shambhala spa, a dedicated 5,000-square-foot wellness center.

Being a full hotel spa, residents can book and enjoy luxurious treatments without leaving the building.

“What this project goes beyond is that it’s not just about the amenities, it’s also about the service. All residents can order room service, they can order cleaning, they can get a turndown service,” Mr McKie said.

Residents can also make the most of room service or private catering at local eateries.

On top of these inclusions, they can arrange the use of the sauna, gym, hotel pool, golf simulator and a dedicated concierge for residents.

“It’s all there in your building if you want to use it,” he says.

The Carter Building’s wellness center is more than just a luxury apartment amenity: it’s a true hotel experience.

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Global meets local

Orchard Piper and KHA have focused on making the overall design and interior feel quintessentially Melbourne, to appeal to both locals and international travelers looking for local flavor during their hotel stay.

The exterior features traditional Melbourne bluestone, while the interior finishes include a warm Australian palette of natural wood and stone.

“The building is substantial and dominant, evolving from the typical glass-clad buildings in the area,” Mr McKie said.

When residents leave the Carter Building, they are surrounded by key Melbourne attractions, including the Yarra River, Royal Botanical Gardens, Fawkner Park and the arts and sports precincts.

It is also within walking distance of the new Anzac metro, providing easy access to the CBD and the rest of the city.

The distinctive bluestone facade combines Melbourne’s iconic architectural history with world-class design.

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The Carter Building becomes a home

Mr McKie says The Carter Building has already been noticed by local downsizers and international buyers and is designed to cater for a range of buyers, with two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $1.95 million.

“The apartments and penthouses are generously designed, giving people the confidence to live in an apartment above a house, without sacrificing space,” he says.

“They can enjoy the convenience of the hotel lifestyle, with the best of Melbourne on their doorstep.”

Construction has begun and residents can look forward to making The Carter Building their home in late 2028.

Disclaimer:

*Amenities and services are subject to availability and charges apply.