BOUTIQUE - CHEVRON ISLAND - Design Review

Initially, I gazed upon this building with the enthusiasm of a buyer grasping at straws after the market hit its peak. Let’s be honest: buying off the plan isn’t for the faint of heart. But in today’s market, it’s a necessary evil to secure a property one day—hopefully—worth moving into. My first stop was the two-bedroom units, which, after some head-scratching, just didn’t cut it. No dedicated entry, storage that barely fit a broom, and a layout that felt as if it was still in the brainstorming phase.

On the upside, the development itself is tucked away from the bustling streets and boasts proximity to prime viewpoints—great for avoiding those pesky views of new construction. And the pool? Nestled on a lower level under a roof, ensuring you might actually use it without risking a sunburn. However, the single elevator is a real gem; when it’s out for servicing, expect a lovely stair workout. Personally, I like to reside between the third and tenth floors—enough elevation to avoid ground-level woes but close enough to keep the connection to reality, or at least the ground.

After a moment of reflection (and a touch of sarcasm), I turned my attention to the three-bedroom unit. While still a tad disjointed, I figured a few simple design tweaks could transform it from “meh” to “maybe.” So, we took the plunge. It’s clear that the original architect’s vision lacked a bit of spark and finesse, likely due to being replaced mid-project by another architect tasked with the construction documentation. This happens more often than you'd think, and it raises some eyebrows. First off, the initial architect might’ve been more interested in just getting the approval and cashing in rather than sticking around for the design awards that never come. Then there’s the replacement architect, who may not grasp the original vision, leading to a design that strays far from what could’ve been. But I’ll reserve further judgment until completion—though I think we all know how this story ends.