Project Overview
In the beachside suburb of Bondi which is renowned for its lively atmosphere, we proudly present this stylish apartment building that seamlessly blends modern and luxury amenities whilst mimicking the surrounding landscape through the materials, forms, and vegetation that decorate the facade. With its unique architectural details and a community-focused atmosphere, this is more than just a place to live, it's a place to thrive.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Andrew Costi
Selena (Seul) Lee
Project Brief
The initial project brief started as a response to recent apartment reforms in NSW that called for more mid-rise apartment buildings around well-located areas within walking distance of transport and close to shops and services. Bondi offers residents a vibrant, beachside lifestyle and is renowned for its lively atmosphere with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops. Due to this, the site was identified as an ideal location to design a luxury 22 metre tall apartment building.
Project Innovation/Need
In the design of apartment buildings, introducing novel ideas can make a significant impact. Novel features and ideas that have been introduced include first mimicking the surrounding landscape with the use of a mainly sandstone-tiled facade and inoffensive bamboo-patterned concrete. The exterior design also incorporates biophilic design elements in the form of rooftop gardens, planter boxes, and vertical gardens.
From a community-focused perspective, the rooftop has been reserved for all the residents with no one apartment monopolizing arguably the best space in the building. The space features a lap pool with an infinity edge overlooking Bondi Beach, a sauna, bbq areas, associated seating, and even a bar.
Design Challenge
Due to the slimline nature of the site with existing three-storey apartment buildings flanking each side of the development, the site presented the design challenge of locating the windows whilst complying with the relevant local rules & regulations. This led to the majority of the windows being orientated perpendicular to the side boundaries towards the beachside views or towards the street front. The remainder of the windows were set six meters from the side boundaries to ensure visual privacy for the proposed development and the existing neighboring developments.
Another design challenge that was addressed in the proposed design was the significant existing slope of the site with a fall of approximately seven metres from the streetfront to the top of the clifftop at the rear of the site. Due to this the parking was designed to be accessed via a car lift instead of a driveway ramp, which allowed the apartment levels above to follow the contours of the site and thus maximize their views towards the ocean.
Sustainability
Designing a sustainable apartment building is a multifaceted challenge that requires balancing environmental, economic, and social considerations.
Sustainability is firstly achieved in the project through the use of sustainable materials via local sourcing of materials to minimize transportation emissions and support local economies and also the use of recycled and reclaimed materials in the construction of the new building.
Additionally, special consideration has been given to energy and water efficiency through the use of passive design features, geothermal heating and cooling systems, extensive use of energy and water-efficient fixtures, greywater recycling, and of course rainwater harvesting.
Architecture - Proposed - Multi Residence
This award celebrates the design process and product of planning, designing and constructing form, space and ambience that reflect functional, technical, social, and aesthetic considerations. Consideration given for material selection, technology, light and shadow. The project can be a concept, tender or personal project, i.e. proposed space.
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