ELEVATED INDOOR FOREST

Developer Beulah International, Fender Katsalidis and renowned landscaper Paul Bangay will deliver the mixed-use development known as Paragon, and will feature 220 luxury apartments.

The luxury apartments and indoor soft landscaping elements will exist throughout the 48-level project. The urban forest will be incorporated across three storeys and will act as a conservatory-like feature with a carefully composed selection of mature trees, leafy canopies, climbing gardens and grassy spaces, complete with refined terrazzo pavers and outdoor seating zones.

The architectural design of the development will seek to maximise views inside and out, allowing the majority of residences prized corner vistas while limiting density to between four and six residences per floor, and two penthouses occupying the topmost, 48th level.

Paul Bangay said the conception of the urban forest project results from an increasing desire in our communities to create green space above street level. “The forest we’re creating is not your typical roof space or balcony space; it’s three storeys high which means we’re able to bring in tall trees.”

So far, the word is that towering Ficus trees will crown the space, while lush ground-covers will trail across pavers to a vertical masonry wall covered in pockets of greenery, creepers and cascading water. Beulah International Executive Director Adelene Teh said it was important for residents to feel as though they had a sanctuary where they could escape the urban environment of the surrounding streetscape.

“We want residents to feel like they’re not so much in a high-rise building, but rather out in a garden; a sanctuary protected from natural elements,” she said.