SC Land built apartments overlooking the Swan River in Perth.  Located in Crawley, near Kings Park, the apartments have become as much of a landmark as the original heritage listed boat shed, directly in front of them.  "It was built in the 1920s.  The apartments and the boat shed have become intertwined," says architect Lance Chu, co-director of SC Land.  "People either asked to be dropped off at Crawley Edge or at the boat shed," he says.

 

Chu was fortunate to have a forty-metre frontage to Swan River to work with.  All the principle rooms, including the living areas and main bedroom, enjoy the river outlook.  The vista can also be appreciated from generous 50 square metre balconies.  "We didn’t want the balconies to overpower the building or the river," says Chu, who modulated the balconies, made of glass and solid masonry.  "We wanted to create depth to the building, as well as creating a rhythm in the façade," he adds.

 

While the apartments border a main thoroughfare, SC Land included a high brick fence at the front of the property.  As the site is elevated above the road, those using the lap pool look directly towards the river rather than traffic.

 

"You feel connected to the water, whether you’re in the pool or on the terrace.  We’ve even made sure that the lobbies have unimpeded views of the water," says Chu.