[SYD16]

2016 Sydney Design Awards

spaces, objects, visual, graphic, digital & experience design, design champion, best studio & best start-up, plus over 40 specialist categories

accelerate transformation, celebrate courage, growing demand for design

 
Image Credit : a+ design group

Silver 

Project Overview

This project is a little ray of light in Thornleigh. So close to Sydney, public transport and surrounded by national park, this area has been strangely overlooked in terms of development. It was important that A+ Design Group created Array to mirror and complement the existing low-rise streetscape. Framed by fine lines, natural timbers and harmonious proportions this boutique residence is enveloped by lush landscaping, further enhancing the surroundings. Array means to unveil, display or present and we feel that this encapsulates the essence of this hidden gem.

Project Commissioner

Watson Elite

Project Creator

a+ design group

Team

Tony Leung, Karen Chow, Stephen Johnson, Ordella Wall, Chuan Fu, Bing Qi, Arturo Castro Alvial, James Kim, Peter Petrovski, Eric Ly

Project Brief

The client was looking for cutting edge design and technology, housed in luxurious proportions and complementing its clienteles wants and needs. Most of these apartments would be sold to local owner-occupiers and so it was imperative to understand our market. The massing has been broken down in to yin yang like parts; the ground level has been designed with terrace house proportions, with vertical timber frames and horizontal louvres. Then there is a white corner section with horizontal, open framed balconies. Either side of the corner are ‘opposite’ narrower, darker balconies with vertical timber batons. The penthouses are set back with panoramic views over the leafy suburbs and towards the city.

Project Innovation/Need

Hornsby council state that there can only be five storeys but the height control can allow for six. We could have added a mezzanine level to the penthouses but knowing our future residents we chose to create ‘little houses’ at the base of this development, perfect for families and downsizers. State-of-the-art ‘smart’ appliances and fixtures have been specified. There is even a smart toilet that can be controlled with an app.

Design Challenge

Keeping within the streetscape but also providing design excellence that will stand the test of time is always a delicate balance. We studied this area and our architecture carefully before finalising it's finer details and overall look within context.

Sustainability

We used drought tolerant natives for landscaping, recycled timber on the facade and rainwater harvesting. Led lighting and 5 star appliances were used in the interiors.




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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