Geelong’s most luxurious Corio Bay development promises to set a new benchmark on waterfront living at Rippleside. People key to the design explain how.

Jonathan Cowle, principal – national design at Rothelowman said the development of 50 apartments and three townhouses around the landmark 1848 house, St Helens, poses the question, was is it possible for a new contemporary project to connect to the past, to be of its place and really revive the dignity, design excellence and classical form of the past?

On first glance, Stella Maris answers yes.

“It was imperative for us to find a way to help define the site and organise the precinct, the gardens and the estate to really celebrate the idea of classical living,” Mr Cowle said.

Four buildings pinwheel around the original home (to be restored and reimagined as a stand-alone residence), creating Nautica House and The Arbory at the front, with Park Row at the top of Bay St and The Acreage along the rear.

Apartments achieve gunbarrel views across the water, including to Geelong’s city skyline, and communal entries also celebrate the position.

Existing trees, such as eucalypts, a Moreton Bay fig, peppercorn and oak trees are celebrated by landscape architects, Acre, which has mixed natives and perennials, used garden roofs so that upstairs residents see greenery, not cliplock steel, and to pick herbs, lemons or limes from an edible garden for their cooking.

There’s also a wellness centre, with a 20m lap pool, gymnasium and outdoor kitchen.

Rothelowman design director, interiors Jackie Johnston said their aim was to create homes that become much more beautiful over time.

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