Longton

'Apartments of the future' launch in Sydney

Architecture & Design on 15 October, 2012

A new apartment development is launching in Mascot, Sydney, marketed as 'Australia's most intelligent apartment building'.

Designed by MD+A Architects, the 54 units are being called iApartments. Each is programmed to electronically check Sydney's weather and modify room temperatures accordingly.

Entry will be by fingerprint recognition, and an electronic noticeboard in the lobby displays social media information, residents' tweets and select Facebook messages.

The developers of Futra say an iPad is the single most important piece of 'furniture'. It controls the majority of electronic functions within each iApartment, including the lighting, blinds, television, 'cinematic quality 3D theatre 'and surround sound system.

The 12-storey building is designed by Brent Marvin of MD+A in Mascot, Sydney.

"With such a technologically-enabled building we sought to shift from convention, move out of the design comfort zone and not be constrained by prevailing methodology," said Marvin.

"In short, we have designed a high performance yacht as opposed to a rusting oil tanker"."In short, we have designed a high performance yacht as opposed to a rusting oil tanker".

MD+A Architects are among the growing number of creative companies have moved into the area, a major growth pocket in the city.

Energy saving initiatives include a 'smart thermo controller' which learns a resident's living habits then calculates the most efficient way to reduce energy consumption.

A keyless building, access to the carpark and the lobby is though a credit card, while entry to individual apartments is by a fingerprint or passcode.

Futra is being developed by Longton, an international consortium whose slogan is 'Belong to the future'. Their stated aim is for everything about the apartments to be futuristic, including the display suite, which is on the 27th level of a CBD skyscraper, where purchasers are invited to play with all the electronic gadgetry.

Interior design features include Manhattan-style fireplace which runs on ethanol at 40-cents an hour. Marble is used for integrated joinery, suspended shelving and appliance bays.'

"The master bathroom is pure indulgence, with a sumptuous freestanding bath, twin ceramic wash basins and vanities, natural stone floors and an overhead rainfall shower," said Karen Wallace of KW Interiors.

"Our master bedroom has a clever custom designed niche area to store those essential items. Beautiful wallpaper in the bedroom and living room adds a sense of luxury, and we 've paid special attention to mood lighting to create comfortable, cosy interiors."