The Grande

Geocon’s latest project, The Grande, brings a bold new vision of luxury urban living to the heart of Canberra’s CBD. Designed to integrate residential, commercial, and lifestyle elements within one cohesive precinct, the development reflects Geocon’s hallmark approach, combining architectural ambition with construction precision to shape the evolving Canberra skyline.

“The Grande is a project that brings a luxury mixed-use precinct into Canberra’s CBD,” said Ned Pattinson, Director of Operations (Construction), Geocon. “The vision was to create a place that looks impressive yet also functions efficiently for residents. From the outset, we set out to combine residential, retail, and lifestyle spaces in one precinct, demonstrating how construction innovation and good design can come together.”

The Grande comprises three towers built over a shared basement and podium, containing 332 apartments in a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom layouts, along with three premium penthouses. At street level, three commercial tenancies connect the precinct seamlessly to London Circuit, enhancing pedestrian activity and neighbourhood vibrancy.

“We wanted to create spaces that extend the experience of home,” Ned explained. The development includes a rooftop pool and pavilion, a gym and yoga studio, cinema, co-working lounge, dog-wash area, library, and landscaped terraces. Delivering such a range of high-traffic communal spaces required meticulous planning to ensure structural capacity, waterproofing integrity, and seamless integration of building services, while maintaining a consistently premium finish throughout.

From a construction perspective, the rooftop pool and pavilion required complex engineering to ensure waterproofing and
load-bearing performance without compromising aesthetics. Inside, Geocon’s team paid equal attention to acoustic treatment and finishing quality in the gym, yoga studio, and cinema, ensuring that amenity areas met the same standard of craftsmanship as the residential spaces.

“The shared spaces such as the co-working lounge and landscaped terraces really highlight how construction quality and detailing can elevate amenity outcomes,” Ned said. “It’s about delivering spaces that look great and perform well long-term for the residents who live there.”
Building three towers concurrently within a dense CBD site demanded precise logistics and co-ordination. “Access and material movement were major constraints, so we implemented a detailed materials-handling strategy that allowed simultaneous vertical progress across the buildings while minimising disruption to surrounding roads,” explained Ned.

Close collaboration between design, engineering, and on-site teams ensured smooth sequencing and adherence to the program, despite tight working conditions. Geocon’s integrated project delivery model allowed agile decision-making and consistent oversight, keeping the build on schedule and to specification.

In line with Canberra’s growing focus on environmental performance, The Grande incorporates a range of sustainability features. The façade blends double-glazed window systems, aluminium panels, terracotta cladding, and feature columns, balancing durability, energy efficiency, and architectural sophistication. Passive design principles maximise natural light while maintaining thermal comfort, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling and heating.

Geocon’s emphasis on integrated urban precincts also supports long-term sustainability by reducing car dependency and promoting connected, walkable communities. The building’s mixed-use character encourages active street life and ensures its longevity as a vibrant urban hub.

“From a construction perspective, we’re proud of how efficiently the program was delivered, given the scale and complexity of the site,” Ned said. “The project stands as another example of Geocon’s capability to deliver large mixed-use builds on time and to a high standard, strengthening the city’s skyline and setting a benchmark for future urban projects in Canberra.”

With its combination of bold architecture, refined interiors, and resort-style amenities, The Grande exemplifies Geocon’s enduring mission: to design and construct places where people can live, work, and thrive within the heart of the capital.

For more information contact Geocon, Level 6, 82 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon ACT 2612, phone 02 6255 0430, website www.geocon.com.au