Staircase Information
Melbourne’s Docklands features remnants of Victorian warehouses and architectural artifacts, yet much of its historical essence has been overshadowed by modern developments, including numerous high-rise residential towers typical of many global cities.
In contrast, Escala, a mixed-use development designed by Six Degrees Architects and developed by MAB Corporation, stands out. The 379 Docklands Drive site was envisioned to capture the intricate architectural details found in historic locales like Flinders Lane.
Architect Mark Healy, director of Six Degrees, collaborated closely with David Allt-Graham from MAB on the project. Unlike attempting to recreate the past, the goal for Escala was to express and layer historical influences in a contemporary manner. Healy describes Escala as reminiscent of early 20th-century streetscapes, featuring buildings of varying heights and diverse facades.
Escala, rising 19 stories high, comprises 178 apartments with one, two, or three bedrooms, each designed to exude its own distinct personality. While Escala’s towers and podiums exhibit a clear contemporary aesthetic, subtle nods to the past are evident. Arched steel windows evoke the art nouveau period, and exterior tiling reminiscent of the late 19th and early 20th centuries adds a touch of historical charm.
Loft-style apartments feature enzie Classic spiral stairs and double-height spaces in living areas, inspired by architect Le Corbusier’s 1920s modernist apartments in Paris and Lyon. Despite their modest footprint, these spaces feel generous, emphasizing the importance of space and natural light.
The stair pictured here was used us the library where double-height windows provide views across the rooftop garden. Access to the upper section of the library is via a generous 2600mm diameter enzie Z Tread spiral staircase. The stair features an inner handrail mounted on the column to additional comfort and safety to the user
