Beulah International reveal winners of AU$2bn design competition

A proposal submitted by UNStudio with Cox Architecture has been selected as the winning design for Southbank by Beulah, a more than $2 billion mixed-use tower set to be the tallest in Australia, located in the heart of Melbourne. The striking design is called ‘Green Spine’, a name which reflects the vertically networked platforms, terraces and verandas curving upwards throughout the structure. Ben van Berkel, UNStudio founder, commented: “In addition to providing the towers with a twisting, sculptural silhouette, the Green Spine is an architectural element that incorporates a multitude of functions in one fluid gesture.”

The designers created the multifaceted spine by splitting open the potential single mass, forming two separate high rise structures while revealing the almost geological strata of their layers as they climb above a light-filled canyon. This approach was intended to allow all users of the building to enjoy increased daylight and access to outdoor spaces. At 356.2m, the taller of the two towers will be entirely residential, while the lower tower will host hotel and commercial space, topping out at 252.2m.

In addition to providing an inviting design for the building’s occupants, the brief called for a concept that improved the areas for local residents and visitors. Through the Green Spine, UNStudio intended to extend the Southbank Boulevard upwards, creating a welcoming environment to bring people into the building. From the public park at the top of the podium, the spine continues to entwine itself skywards, culminating at the top of the residential tower in the landscaped ‘Future Gardens’.

Adelene Teh , Beulah International Executive Director, praised the integration of  the design into its surroundings, stating: “Green Spine showed work by a strong, multidisciplinary collaborative team that is a bold, yet thoroughly considered approach to creating a context driven landmark as an addition to Melbourne's skyline. In its details, the scheme displays a strong intent for well-considered public and private amenity, and at street level, the proposal displays qualities that will truly transform the public realm by eroding the hard edges that is prevalent in Southbank.”

Lucy Nordberg
TenderStream Head of Research

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