Positioned in the vibrant heart of Melbourne, the newly unveiled HOME Docklands by Australia’s leading build-to-rent provider, HOME, is set to revolutionise luxury urban living.

Designed by COX Architecture, HOME Docklands has been unveiled with a promise of unparalleled residential experiences that celebrate laid-back luxury and a commitment to community. The project comprises 676 apartments split across two striking 30 and 31-storey towers

HOME head Christian Grahame says the Docklands project is more than just a place to live. “It’’s a vibrant community and collection of spaces where people can experience their best lives,” he says. HOME worked closely with COX to deliver an exciting lifestyle offering. Featuring meaningful and unique build-to-rent amenities that address wellness, coworking and entertainment, the project provides contemporary and highly-considered spaces that enhance the richness that is home living. 

Amenities and community engagement 

HOME Docklands is more than just a place to lie your head at night; it offers a vibrant community where residents can truly live their best lives. Residents have access to contemporary facilities such as a 25-metre swimming pool, sauna and pilates studio. With the inclusion of co-working spaces, pet-friendly areas and bespoke services like apartment cleaning and handyman services, the residences cater to the diverse needs of modern renters.

“Each of these spaces has been curated and equipped to a high level of detail to ensure true value for residents and to act as an extension of their own apartment,” COX associate director Anthea Leyden says.

A celebration of materiality and timeless design

The architectural vision of HOME Docklands is a departure from traditional all-glass towers, embracing a textured facade that emulates the surrounding urban landscape. “The simplicity of the facades creates a timeless and classic aesthetic,” COX director Philip Rowe explains. “An exposed grid provides rhythm and variety in response to the scale and identity of the two towers.”

The diverse use of materiality allows the buildings to be read as distinct forms, highlighting the individual nature of each. Varied and contrasting facade systems achieve a series of visual contrasts, breaking down the perceived mass of the towers. Leyden says the materiality was inspired by the site’s history. “The palette and materials are quintessentially Melbourne, with a composite of refined and raw materials,” she says. “Salvaged pier timber featured in the concierge desk is a nod to the location’s maritime shipping heritage and embedded in a patinaed metal fascia, creating a focal point for the lobby.”

HOME Docklands is thoughtfully curated with pieces by renowned Australian makers that imbue the essence of Australian elegance. From Jardan to Tait, the interior design boasts a blend of textures and materials that evoke warmth and sophistication. Stylist Ruth Welsby worked with HOME to create a deeply layered and inviting selection of furniture and styling within the amenities, reflecting the truly residential nature of the development.

The fastidious attention to detail extends to the art featured in the towers, showcasing works by established and emerging Australian artists that evoke an inspiring milieu for residents. “Art can be found throughout the project, from large sculptural pieces along the concourse to fluid and engaging works that visually connect external and internal spaces within the lobby,” Leyden says.

With its commitment to delivering a holistic living experience that encompasses wellness, work and leisure, HOME Docklands sets a new standard for rental properties in the city. As residents move into these crafted spaces, they are not just renting a home but becoming part of a dynamic and inclusive community enjoying style, convenience and security.

Read about another winning project by COX on ADR.