Plus Architecture

The Eminence

THE EMINENCE

Plus Architecture

The Eminence
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio

MANUFACTURERS
Aglo Systems, Cladding Australia, Dulux, Archipanel

BUILDER
Crema Constructions

CLIENT
Lechte Corporation

CLIENT 2
Abacus Property Group

AREA
12360 m²

YEAR
2017

LOCATION
Carlton, Australia

CATEGORY
Housing, Apartments

The Eminence
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio
The Eminence
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio

Text description provided by architect.

Located at 139 Queensberry Street, Carlton, The Eminence is nestled geographically and architecturally between the macro scale of Melbourne’s CBD and the fine grain streetscapes of suburban Carlton.

The Eminence interprets and is inspired by both, finding a language that mediates between them.

The brief from the client was to “design an apartment building that people want to live in.”

The Eminence
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio
The Eminence
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio
The Eminence
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio

With this simple goal Plus Architecture set out to design spaces to call home at a time when small, investor focused apartments were the prevailing market trend. The overall architectural expression of The Eminence is one of calmness and rhythm, stability and clarity.

Where the building meets the ground, there are moments of humour and play that talk to human scale and the archetypal yet renowned Melbourne laneway experience.

The theme of ‘home’ is represented through the perforated house motif girding the lobby entrance, providing a unique internal waiting space.

This motif is continued through the alley around the side of the building, with a mix of street art and house structures clad in Corten (serving a double purpose of shielding building services) bringing the alley to life.

The Eminence
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio
The Eminence
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio

At street level, The Eminence communicates effortlessly and playfully with the typical two to three storey Carlton streetscapes, while the residential tower structures are overlaid with the form and overall scale of the city.

The design includes three story feature precast columns and halo beams reminiscent of the classic Victorian architecture that features so prominently in the Carlton landscape.

The Eminence
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio
The Eminence
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio

Installation of the facade proved challenging for the construction team who describe how the intricacy of the design, including the protrusion and staggering of columns, required considerable deliberation to achieve the architects’ vision of seamless three storey columns.

With a focus on creating homes for a truly mixed community, The Eminence features a mix of one, two and three-bedroom dwellings, catering to students, first home buyers and owner-occupiers.

This inclusive community is drawn together by a spacious, welcoming rooftop space with stunning views.

The Eminence
The Eminence
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio

Complete with a welcoming entry lobby with lounge and fireplace, this development comprises 193 apartments and two retail spaces over 15 storeys, designed as three towers along a corridor axis.

By designing a three-tower structure, the architects created light-filled corridor spaces and open yet private apartments for all occupants, welcoming and positioning between the busy CBD and Melbourne’s vibrant inner-north.


The Eminence
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio
The Eminence
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio


The Eminence
Site plan
The Eminence
Typical floor plan


The Eminence
Department typology 2B/2B
The Eminence
Department typology 3B/2B


The Eminence
North Elevation
The Eminence
South Elevation
The Eminence
East Elevation
The Eminence
West Elevation

Plus Architecture
T +353 1 521 3378
Plus Architecture
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