Initially proposed in 2007, and named the Barton Tower,[1] the skyscraper anticipated the current trend of "skinny skyscrapers" proposed in Melbourne.[2] Indeed, the most unusual feature of the building is its "curving exterior" which is illuminated by 10 millimetres of rose coloured glass, which incorporates thermal properties that insulate the skyscraper.[3] Abode318 comprises 450 apartments across 57 levels, and reaches a height of 187.3 metres (614.5 feet).[1] The project received approval by then-Planning Minister Matthew Guy in 2011, with construction commencing later that year. At a cost of AUD$136 million, the building topped-out in late 2014, and was completed by early 2015.[4][5] At the time of its completion, Abode318 was the 10th–tallest building in Melbourne; additionally, it became the first building since the 2006 completion of the Eureka Tower to be listed in the "ten-tallest buildings of Melbourne".[2]
Melbourne skyline in 2015