The 5 Most Luxurious Residences Opening in 2021
Although the Covid-19 pandemic caused delays, developers around the world have used the time to reallocate space to include more balconies and terraces connected to luxurious residences, redesign floor plans better suited for working and schooling from home, and install the best touchless technology and air-filtration systems.
In fact, more than 75 percent of developers were more likely to add advanced technology and space for home offices to their plans, according to Knight Frank’s Global Development Report. About 54 percent also considered more outdoor space, and are leaning towards virtual tours, 3D photography and video conferencing.
Branded residences, where owners can enjoy the comforts of home with the convenience and amenities of hotels, remain popular with high-net-worth buyers. These luxury homes also offer peace of mind for those who split their time between more than one residence, confident their investment is well cared-for. Such properties can provide income streams when they’re managed as part of the brand’s rental programme.
Here are five projects combining the best in amenities, space and safety with bold designs and luxury living.
Aman New York
Luxury hospitality brand Aman is due to open its first urban hotel with residences in New York this spring. Aman has reimagined the historic Crown Building on Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, built in 1921 by Grand Central Terminal architects Warren & Wetmore and once home to the Museum of Modern Art. Belgium-born designer Jean-Michel Gathy was inspired by the idea of creating a sanctuary in Midtown Manhattan.
At the heart of the property is a 25,000-square-foot spa, offering a full menu of treatments, facilities that include a Moroccan hammam and Russian baths, and an indoor swimming pool surrounded by fire pits and daybeds. There’s also a wraparound Garden Terrace overlooking Central Park, a wine room, a subterranean jazz club and fine-dining restaurants such as Arva, serving Italian fare, and the Japanese-inspired ∫.
The project will start on the fourth floor, with existing retail, such as Bulgari, on the ground floors. The 22 residences, which range from one to six bedrooms, feature wood-burning fireplaces and calming design palettes; many have private pools. Prices start at US$13.5 million, with the crown jewel, a five-story penthouse, selling for US$180 million in 2018.
Crown Residences at One Barangaroo
Walls of glass bring Sydney Harbour with its famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge into the living rooms of the 82 units at the Crown Residences at One Barangaroo. Each home has a distinct floorplan, thanks to the 75-floor building’s twisting facade, designed by Chris Wilkinson of the London-based firm One Barangaroo. The bespoke interiors, by Meyer Davis of New York, were heavily inspired by the waterside location and surroundings. Residents will have access to all the amenities of the hotel, including its spa, wellness centre and conference rooms, as well as services that include housekeeping, concierge and valet.
The first hotel-branded residence in Australia, it will also feature a members-only Crown Sydney casino, pool and lounge area for residents and tennis courts. The hotel opened in January, with two- to five-bedroom residences and a limited number of duplex penthouses set to open in March. Prices start at A$9.5 million (about HK$57.2 million).