JOURNAL/ October/2014

The design challenge was to build on top of an existing building which had columns and a central lift core integrated into its original design restricting floorplate flexibility and reducing connectivity. Our solution was to place a series of steel transfer trusses on top of the existing structure. This allowed the floorplate to cantilever beyond the existing building, increasing the floor area and aligning with the street wall while also providing flexibility with the column grid.

A steel structure was chosen to avoid increasing the load on the existing structure. The lifts were relocated to the exterior of the building and enclosed in a vertical glass volume to express the building’s vertical movement while enlivening the Ultimo Pedestrian Network.

Bates Smart Project Director, Philip Vivian commented on the design form:

"Located diagonally across from the new Frank Gehry UTS building, the design needed a strong presence. The architectural form reinterprets the semi-industrial linear forms of historic Haymarket to create a contemporary building that respects the diverse scale and context of the area.

"The form is articulated into a series of seemingly random, stacked, horizontal volumes of varying heights. Each horizontal layer is expressed by a different solar shading system, creating a layered effect of stacked, linear boxes."

The lobby is a transparent glass volume beneath the building, between the lifts and original structure. A dramatic public artwork by Lucas Grogan on the building wall frames the lobby.

The building has achieved a 5 Star Green Star rating, incorporating passive solar shading, and chilled beam cooling.

The 83 storey tower splits into two intersecting rectilinear forms working in a north-south direction, reflecting the well known Melbourne grid. The twinned expression of the tower reduces the building mass and accentuates the elegant, transforming and vertical nature of the building. The sinuous form also serves to reduce the wind load effect on such a tall building, as well as softening and anchoring the mass of the building.

The facade of the building features a combination of soft transitioning forms that create openings for the office, hotel and residential apartments. The proportion and size of openings vary strategically to reflect the uses within, opening to important views and registering key datums of the surrounding context. The resulting play of patterning creates an additional layer of complexity and interest. As the openings vary and create shadow, the softness and movement of the building form is accentuated.

At street level the whole corner will be animated with activity, generated by the multiple functions of the building. Escalators provide a connection to the first level where the restaurant and hotel amenities are to be located and 24 hour concierge service will be available. The movement of the escalators both activates the space and improves safety for guests and residents.

Strategic briefing and image response sessions were extensive and confirmed that the space had to satisfy demand for increased workplace flexibility without losing functional efficiency. Elements of fluidity, movement and illumination referenced in the design give a subtle nod to the national grid and TransGrid’s core business. 

The reception area is flanked by reclaimed timber power poles that connect wires vertically and horizontally creating vistas through to the work areas. 

With expansive floorplates it was possible to break down the space on both vertical and horizontal perspectives, allowing business units to connect and yet be independent at the same time. An offset void and staircase across all three levels gives a backdrop of energy and movement; the void is framed by more timber battens from reclaimed timber power poles.

A naturally ventilated wintergarden is located at the northern end of the building, its double height capitalising on premium views and light. This social and informal meeting place allows the business to come together as a whole and is well used by the staff.  

The success of this project has been established in the way the staff have embraced their new workspace as well as connect with each other across the business. Silos have been removed, transparency increased and a greater sense of equality has been achieved. The project is one of a handful to have achieved a 6 Star Green Star 'As Built' rating by the Green Building Council of Australia, this represents 'World Leadership' in environmentally sustainable construction. 

Peter comments on his favourite part of the job:

"In my years as a model maker everything has changed and yet nothing at all. The advances in CNC driven laser cutting technology and 3D rapid prototyping over the years has vastly improved the scope and capability of what can be achieved in the production of a model, but personally I get the greatest enjoyment from working with timber models.

"Being able to create an object of beauty that is also a practical working model is the most satisfying project of all. It’s great to see what you’ve achieved and know that it will not only help the design develop further, but also allow the client to get a real feel for their dream."

Peter's projects can vary in length from 2 days to 2 months or longer. Below in the gallery is a selection of models made for competitions, sketch studies through to high quality presentation models.

"The apartments were designed to maximise their amenity through outlook, natural light and access to generous landscaped open space."

"My professional career has moved forward treading between art and architecture: a conceptual understanding of architecture that goes beyond pure design.

Building things was a key juncture that modified my theoretical position and acted as a catalyst to push my understanding to another space."

Dandenong Mental Health Facility completes the trifecta with the 2014 Australian Timber Design Award.

The Australian Timber Design Awards jury found the attention to detail in the Dandenong project to be exceptional. 

Congratulations to the teams.

Dandenong Mental Health Facility - Bates Smart (in collaboration with Irwin Alsop Group)