A $150 million residential development designed by FK for sustainable subtropic living will be built on a site in Brisbane’s inner east following the recent settlement of the sale of the site.

The property at 91 Lytton Road in Balmoral consists of a 23,265sq m site comprising two lots with street frontage to the busy Lytton Road, as well as Bolon Street and Andrew Street.

It was occupied by a place of worship, which was surrounded by a number of carparks, but has been sold for $27.5 million, representing an englobo land rate of $1,182 per square metre.

It was purchased by Zhen Chen of Skyhold in a deal negotiated by Blake Goddard and Matt Barker of Knight Frank.

The property will now be redeveloped, with Skyhold securing development approval for four medium density buildings on the site with a total gross floor area of 24,645sq m.

Mr Chen said: “Skyhold are excited to be launching our next signature project within the upmarket Bulimba/Balmoral catchment. Opportunities of this scale within the inner city are almost non-existent and our vision for the site aligns with this once in a generation opportunity.

“Our vision, designed by internationally celebrated architect Fender Katsalidis responds to current market demands, resulting in generous private open space alongside intergenerational communal recreation opportunities. The development offers housing diversity for housing entrants as well as right-sizers within the area.

“Skyhold is proud to have worked with Knight Frank in this key transaction.”

Mr Goddard said the site was sought after during the sales campaign, which took place three years ago, with settlement only just effected following the previous owner-occupier’s recent completion of their new facility in Tingalpa.

“The Knight Frank Team was engaged to divest the site, capitalising on growing demand for residential infill opportunities in Brisbane’s southeastern corridor,” he said.

“During the campaign we had strong interest in the property, with over 120 enquiries from a range of buyers attracted to the uniquely large parcel of land with multiple favourable development outcomes.

“The site lies within one of Brisbane’s most popular and prestigious residential locations, Balmoral, a suburb that has ideal neighbourhood amenity and close proximity to the Brisbane River, less than four kilometres from the CBD.

“A residential development on the site will benefit from the strong demand to live in the area and the high surrounding residential dwelling price - according to Realestate.com.au the median house price is currently $1.85 million.”

Fusing FK’s design excellence with Skyhold’s craftsmanship and expertise in the Brisbane market, the collaboration will bring 177 homes to the thriving residential suburb.

Blending respectfully within the surrounding streetscape, the buildings’ form and scale is carefully considered to work into the existing site contours and integrate with the local neighbourhood character.

FK Principal Jessica Lee said: “At 2.3ha, the site is uncommonly large for an established inner city residential neighbourhood, and what makes it more compelling is the expanse of protected greenery inviting a feeling of a verdent sanctuary within the suburb.”
“We're committed to preserving and enriching the existing greenery, creating an immersive, leafy environment for future residents on site. This approach not only enhances the natural surroundings but also respects the privacy of neighbouring houses.”

Offering diversity in dwelling types, contemporary townhouses with three and four bedrooms are proposed along the Lytton Road boundary. Meanwhile, nestled within the site, apartments featuring one, two, and three bedrooms, complete with courtyards and deep-set balconies, will appeal to a wide range of residents.
“Inspired by the site's natural environment, including its greenery and distinctive contours, our aim is to extend the immersive experience from arrival into the heart of the precinct. From the main entry right through to the front door is a journey for residents – beginning down the leafy driveway through the grand lobby and into breezy corridor ways before stepping into their home – a quintessentially Brisbane experience.” – added Jessica Lee.

Featuring two outdoor pools, remote working areas, a private dining function room, gym facilities, and generous bicycle storage with ease of access, the designs are centred around creating a resort-style residence that remains family-friendly, providing the perfect balance of privacy while maintaining a sense of community. The greenery that adorns the site is complemented by the natural, earthy colours featured in the designs, with open corridors at each of the buildings to promote cross-ventilation and invite the outside in. Encouraging wellness and a connection to the outdoors extend throughout the build, with a focus on natural materials and interior environments enriched with biophilic design.

The townhouses feature generous three bedrooms and include features such as butler’s pantries in the kitchen, double basins in the ensuite, walk-in laundries and study areas. Meanwhile, the penthouses, designed with ultimate convenience in mind, boast impressive river views and generous outdoor terraces.
Typical of the topography of Balmoral, the site is hilly and adorned with well-established greenery. The legacy of the site lingers on through its stepped built forms, which are indicative of previous quarrying. The project proudly features deep soil planting on 28% of the site, significantly more than the 10% required by Brisbane City Council which aims to mitigate the heat-island effect and enable offsetting of carbon emissions.

“Balmoral’s tight-knit community inspired our approach to the design of 91 Lytton Road, we wanted to create spaces that cultivate connection and togetherness. Just 5km from the CBD, merged with convenience with great local transport links, we aimed to bring a sanctuary-like atmosphere within the site that will be a great addition to the suburb.” FK associate Justin McLennan said.

Skyhold Managing Director Zhen Chen said: “We’re pleased to be working with FK who have extensive experience in residential apartment planning on this challenging site, which was formerly a quarry and features a significant conservation zone, to bring different housing typologies to cater to diverse residents, from young families to downsizers and retirees.”

More Design reading:

Celebrating Innovation and Design: The 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards Shortlist | The ASEAN Developer

FK designed development site Brisbane’s inner east sold for $27.5m by Knight Frank  | The ASEAN Developer

Moxy Sydney Airport Big Winner At The 2024 Australasia-Pacific Hotel Design Awards | The Hotel Conversation

Warren and Mahoney fuses deep culture considered design to deliver New Zealand’s gateway | The Hotel Conversation