A Gem In Waterline Place, Williamstown

Gem, Waterline Place is a nine story coastal residential tower in Williamstown, Melbourne and takes its name from the pier that once welcomed boats returning to shore. The project was a finalist in the Commercial and Multi Residential Exterior category at the 2020 Dulux Colour Awards.

Williamstown is inextricably linked to the maritime history of Melbourne. The architectural team at Elenberg Fraser has been inspired by this rich heritage to create Gem apartments within the Waterline Place precinct. The name is a reference to the Gem pier which once welcomed boats returning to the shore. For the design of Gem, the soft, billowing forms of yachts’ sails catching the wind led to the building’s flowing lines and curvilinear forms. This is a naturally elegant building, perfectly at home by the water and among the restrained neighbourhood character of the area.

Beyond its visual beauty, the architecture of Gem embraces the panoramic views towards the bay on one side and out over the rooftops towards the water on the other. The generous terraces of Gem allow residents to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle that Williamstown is famous for, with space for alfresco dining, built-in planters full of greenery and places to relax while enjoying gentle sea breezes.

Dulux Duratec Eternity Linen Pearl and other Dulux products were selected for their durability in the corrosive environment of Port Phillip Bay and the adjacent industrial sites of Williamstown. This resilience of the range was crucial to the sustainability of the building and maintaining the architectural vision of a brilliant, shimmering ocean liner.

Video Credit: AVJennings Limited

Project Specifications:

Architect: Elenberg Fraser

Fabricator: Acculine

Builder: Build Corp

Finisher: AAF

Colour: Duratec Eternity Linen Pearl – Duratec Zeus Black Matt