Port Melbourne has just welcomed an ultra-luxe suite of penthouses that boast generous, house-like proportions and serious design pedigree.
50 Rouse is a truly boutique development, architecturally designed by Wood Marsh, with just three residences spanning 500sqm each, overlooking the tranquil waters of Port Phillip Bay.
50 Rouse has incredible panoramas across Port Phillip Bay to the Melbourne city skyline.
“This is one of the last sites in Port Melbourne with a bay and city view,” says Stephen Brooks from the 50 Rouse sales team.
“Traditionally, developers build as many apartments as they can. It’s a very desirable lifestyle with only three.”
The chic, minimalist development allows residents to enjoy an unparalleled sense of exclusivity and privacy.
Architectural vision
Located at 50 Rouse Street in the heart of Port Melbourne, the new residences cut a striking figure with a contemporary industrial aesthetic – a reference to the suburb’s heritage.
The building’s exterior uses weather-resistant materials like raw bronze, concrete and perforated brickwork, and has a classic colour palette to give it timeless visual appeal.
The building was designed by renowned architecture practice Wood Marsh, famed for numerous residential, commercial and public projects across Australia and a recent winner of the Jørn Utzon Award for International Architecture at the Australian Institute of Architects, National Awards.
The exterior of 50 Rouse nods to Port Melbourne’s industrial heritage.
When conceiving the idea for 50 Rouse, Wood Marsh sought to create a building that would both speak to Port Melbourne’s past and ensure it carried well into the future.
“Wood Marsh is an integral part of the 50 Rouse project as the lower two levels will house our architecture studio, this ensures our vested interest in delivering the highest quality outcome,” says Wood Marsh Principal, Randal Marsh.
“We pride ourselves on creating architecture that has both longevity and discipline with a commitment to exceptional quality finishes. This applies throughout – from the external building envelope to the main entry foyer, through our design studios and continuing up to the bespoke residences above,” he explains.
“The same rigour will be applied to the building-wide management systems and services.”
The building features forward-thinking sustainable elements such as permeable balustrades, passive shading and optimised cross-flow ventilation.
There’s extensive vegetation across the facade and apartment balconies, courtesy of award-winning studio Jack Merlo Landscape Architects. The greenery has been established to improve liveability while being low on upkeep.
Inside, the minimalist style incorporates stone, concrete and timber to echo the building’s industrial-meets-organic exterior, and includes a selection of custom-made and high-end fixtures and fittings.
Thoughtful contemporary design.
‘House-sized’ living
Apart from the calibre of its design, what really sets 50 Rouse apart is the sheer scale of the apartments.
Each one is sized at 500sqm-plus with a 20-metre frontage and lofty three-metre-high ceilings, offering house-like proportions throughout.
The open floorplans comprise numerous zones, including a substantial dining area that comfortably fits a full-sized dining table; formal and informal living spaces; and a chef’s kitchen complete with scullery, walk-in pantry and a wine cellar that accommodates at least 1000 bottles.
There are three generously proportioned bedrooms in each apartment, as well as ample storage and a home office up to 40sqm.
The master suite includes a palatial bathroom with a tub, shower and double vanity, and a sizeable walk-in robe. The remaining bedrooms have their own ensuite and wardrobe.
The architecture creates a striking sense of sophistication and space.
Adding to the feeling of spaciousness is each apartment’s seamless connnection to the outdoors. There are multiple balconies and terraces, while floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows welcome a flood of natural light and sweeping vistas across the bay and city skyline.
Each residence includes three levels of security. Residents get their own lobbies along with multiple spaces in the private car park.
Beachfront lifestyle in Port Melbourne
Port Melbourne is a highly desirable part of Melbourne thanks to its rare combination of appealing features.
Only three kilometres from the CBD, it’s home to a thriving food and drink scene and set right on the beachfront – making it seem a world away from its city-fringe location.
For 50 Rouse residents who commute, Melbourne’s city centre is only about 10 minutes by car or about 15 minutes by public transport or bicycle.
50 Rouse also adjoins Bay Street, the suburb’s main commercial precinct. Here, there’s a huge selection of cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs; boutiques, supermarkets and fresh food stores; and a lively atmosphere at almost any time of day.
A rare opportunity to live in a new beachfront residence in Port Melbourne.
Along Rouse Street, too, residents will have cafes and eateries on their doorstep.
Other prominent suburbs like Albert Park and South Melbourne – home to the popular market – are close by, and Melbourne Airport is easily accessible via the M2 – the journey takes just 30 minutes.
Despite its vibrancy and proximity to the rest of Melbourne, Port Melbourne still feels somewhat like a beachside enclave.
Its bayside location means residents can enjoy water-based activities like swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding, or waterside strolls or bike rides along the popular, palm tree-lined promenade.
“Downsizers flock to the Gold Coast to live on the beach, but here, you’re in one of the world’s most liveable cities with the beach cross the road,” Brooks says.
