Drawing inspiration from the dynamic imagery of sailing, the enduring craftsmanship of shipbuilding, and the picturesque waterfront locale, the Nautilus development stands majestically within the Shellharbour Marina precinct at Shell Cove, exuding a poised grandeur.
Crafted by Smart Design Studio for Frasers Property, this exclusive residential project is slated for completion in the 2nd half of 2024.
“The aim of this endeavor was to establish a prominent landmark within the Shellharbour Marina area,” explains Stephen Sharkey of Smart Design Studio. “Our vision was to create a timeless collection of waterfront residences that celebrate the natural beauty of the surroundings, including vistas of the Illawarra escarpment, Shellharbour Marina, Shellharbour Beach, and the Pacific Ocean.”
Comprising 116 meticulously designed residences spread across two structures, Building A and Building B, this development caters to diverse lifestyles. Building A, with its horseshoe-shaped design, offers premium apartments with sweeping waterfront views, while Building B provides a selection of classic dwellings for those seeking traditional residential living.
Both buildings are seamlessly connected and feature shared amenities across two podium levels, including landscaped gardens, a pool, seating areas, and a private residential gym.
The project pays homage to the rich tradition of shipbuilding, evident in its intricate design elements. “The name ‘Nautilus’ is undoubtedly a nod to maritime heritage,” explains Stephen. “The building’s form, characterised by long, curved vertical precast blades intersected by horizontal fins, echoes the craftsmanship found in timber boat hulls.”
These contemporary maritime elements blend harmoniously with classical architectural principles, emphasising repetition and rhythm to evoke a sense of timeless order. “The exterior design embodies a modern interpretation of classical aesthetics, reminiscent of Georgian terraces in London and Bath, as well as the grandeur of ancient Greek and Roman architecture,” Stephen elaborates, highlighting the concrete blades inspired by Hellenic columns.
The development’s timeless ethos extends to its materiality, as Stephen elucidates, “Light concrete tones echo sun-bleached hues of sand and seashells, alongside the reflective white hulls of luxury boats and sailing vessels. Interiors feature exquisite pale timber flooring and light concrete-look tiles, mirroring the serene ambience of the surrounding environment.”
Enhancing the strong connection to nature, the floor plan aligns with the dynamic curvature of the facade, optimising vistas across the Marina and towards the Pacific Ocean. Achieving this required minimalist solutions to frame views without obstruction, with Stormtech proving to be the ideal choice. “Stormtech’s reputation for quality and customisable products made them the obvious choice,” Stephen explains. “Their linear threshold drain seamlessly integrates with the building’s design, ensuring unobstructed views.”
In bathrooms, Stormtech’s innovative linear drain with an integrated shower screen support was utilised, allowing drainage from both sides of the screen with a single floor waste. “This solution efficiently serves the entire room without the need for additional floor waste,” summarises Stephen.
Stormtech’s versatile finishes ensure consistency across the project, particularly beneficial for multi-residential developments. By intertwining exceptional amenities with classical architectural elements, maritime inspiration, and organic design, Nautilus embodies a harmonious blend of luxury and site sensitivity, offering residents a seamless coastal living experience akin to smooth sailing.
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