Today’s premium apartment buyers are looking for homes above and beyond the standard offering, instead turning to hotel-like residences to offer the luxury they’re looking for.
Fortunately for these buyers, Melbourne’s property market is evolving to meet their expectations, with new buildings prioritising wellness amenity, hotel-level service, and world-leading architectural design.
At the forefront is The Carter Building, now under construction from long-established design-led developer Orchard Piper.
Located in the heart of Melbourne at 448 St Kilda Road, The Carter Building’s premium residences are designed by the renowned Kerry Hills Architects (KHA) and with amenities and services curated by hotel partner COMO Hotel and Resorts and Orchard Piper.
The Carter Building are a bold new residences serviced by world-renowned COMO Hotels and Resorts.
“The Carter Building is a 17-storey development with residences on the top ten floors, and hotel and amenities on the lower seven,” says Luke McKie, founder and director, Orchard Piper.
Mr McKie highlights that COMO is an industry leader, with 20 hotels, resorts, and private islands around the world, and that securing a home serviced by the luxury global brand is an unmissable opportunity for Melbourne buyers.
“COMO is an incredible coup for Melbourne because they only have one other hotel in Australia, which is in Perth, The Treasury," he says.
The benefit to residents of The Carter Building is that they can make the most of the wellness, service, and design that comes with having a premium hotel in their building.
“There’s been a big shift in people's expectations. Even across the broad price point for this project, we deliver on the expectation that a full suite of amenities is provided to residents,” says Mr McKie.
Two exclusive penthouses
The two crowning penthouses at The Carter Building are conceived as elevated homes rather than oversized apartments, drawing on KHA’s rare and highly sought-after approach to residential design.
KHA’s signature restraint and material richness define the interiors, where bluestone, timber and stone create a sense of calm, permanence, and quiet luxury more often found in the world’s most celebrated resorts.
Each residence features four bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms and four car spaces, unfolding from a generous entry foyer into large-scale living and dining zones.
Entertaining is central to the penthouse lifestyle, with a dedicated bar area, wine cellar, as well as a substantial outdoor living space.
“The pinnacle of penthouse living offering significant views across the city, Albert Park Lake and Port Phillip Bay. Expansive terraces feature plunge pools, fireplaces, indoor and outdoor living spaces.” says Mr McKie.
Inside, the spacious master suites are designed as private sanctuaries, with oversized ensuites and Poliform wardrobes that reflect the scale and comfort more commonly associated with a luxury home.
Prices for the penthouses are expected to exceed $18 million and some customisation is possible.
"Buyers are in for something quite special, with rare access to a project by KHA residential developments that is best known for designing the Aman Resorts around the world," Mr McKie adds.
Tour the penthouses in our gallery
Hotel-serviced lifestyle
An added luxury of being part of The Carter Building is that residents can enjoy hotel services* in their everyday life, from the ease of valet parking to arranging private transfers to the airport.
These services reflect COMO Hotels and Resorts' significant expertise in creating world-class experiences for guests and residents, with many of their hotels being awarded Michelin Keys as marks of their exceptional quality.
While other developments may offer wellness amenities, The Carter Building stands apart with all the amenities of a luxury project and access to a world-renowned COMO Shambhala spa, a 500sqm dedicated wellness centre.
As a full hotel day spa, residents will be able to book and enjoy luxury treatments all without leaving the building.
“Where this project goes above and beyond is that it's not just the amenities, it's also the service. All the residents can order room service, they can order cleaning, they can have a turndown service,” says Mr McKie.
Residents can also make the most of room service or private catering from the onsite dining facilities.
On top of these inclusions, they can arrange use of the sauna, gymnasium, hotel pool, golf simulator, and dedicated resident-only concierge.
“It’s all right there in your building if you want to tap into it,” he says.
More than just a luxury apartment amenity, The Carter Building's wellness centre is a true hotel experience.
Global meets local
Orchard Piper and KHA have focused on making the overall design and interiors feel quintessentially Melbourne to appeal to residents as well as international travellers looking for local flavour during their hotel stay.
The exterior features traditional Melbourne bluestone, while the interior finishes include a warm Australian palette of natural timber and stone.
“The building is substantial and has predominance. Evolving from the typical glass cladded buildings in the area,” says Mr McKie.
When residents step outside of The Carter Building, they will be surrounded by key Melbourne landmarks including the Yarra River, The Royal Botanical Gardens, Fawkner Park and the arts and sports precincts.
It is also walking distance to the new Anzac Metro, making it easy to get into the CBD and across town.
The signature bluestone facade blends Melbourne's iconic architectural history with world-class design.
Making The Carter Building home
Mr McKie says The Carter Building has already been noticed by local downsizers and international buyers and is designed to cater to a range of buyers, with two- and three- bedroom apartments on offer, prices starting from $1.95 million.
“The apartments and penthouses are generously designed, giving people the confidence to choose apartment living over a house without compromising space,” he says.
“They can enjoy the ease of the hotel lifestyle, with the best of Melbourne at their doorstep."
Construction has commenced and residents can look forward to making The Carter Building their home in late-2028.
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