JOURNAL/ April-May/2016

Design Director, Guy Lake, commented:

'Working with Arup on the facade we developed an innovative methodology for over-cladding the existing façade which allowed tenants to remain within the building during construction. This eliminated the relocation and fitout replacement costs allowing the entire project budget to be allocated to a facade that reflected the buildings high calibre tenants.’

The new glass skin acts to unify the irregularity of the existing elevation's disparate elements. It steps in and out to accommodate the existing structure while a series of frameless vertical glass fins provide a consistent alignment with the outer face of the building and create depth, shadow and texture across the façade.

The reuse of the structural elements of the existing façade system significantly reduced the materials required for construction and the amount of waste to be taken off site while the new glazing skin substantially improves thermal performance and reduces the building’s energy consumption.

Builder: Donnelley Constructions Project Manager: Pure Projects

Bates Smart Director, Kristen Whittle, explains the architectural vision:

"The Eastbourne is crafted as an evergreen building overlooking one of Melbourne’s most significant parks, which acts as the building’s apron and gives it a green aura.

“We very much wanted to bring the emotion of the gardens into the design, while also paying tribute to the craftsmanship of the site’s Freemasons heritage.”

In terms of luxury living, The Eastbourne raises the bar higher than before delivering a wealth of resident amenities, custom design features and bespoke crafted apartments. The development incorporates Freemasons Victoria's new expansive headquarters, which will be located on the Victoria Parade interface of The Eastbourne on Victoria Parade.

Demolition is currently underway for construction to commence in early 2017. Completion is expected by mid-2019. Register your interest by visiting theeastbourne.mirvac.com

This new workplace, located in Bates Smart’s award winning 171 Collins Street, Melbourne building, was designed to incorporate the retail elements of the business and reflect the luxury boutique brands represented by EGI.

Elements including retail display cases were incorporated into the interior throughout the client areas. These display cases allow EGI to continuously change the products on show as a current representation of their brand . Furnishings along with the finishes palette were specifically selected to reflect a boutique retail environment.

Bates Smart continues ongoing work with EGI, the design of their retail outlet, LK Boutique at Crown, Melbourne and the new flagship store for Bang & Olufsen in Melbourne's CBD.

The towers are strategically oriented to reconcile the site’s irregular geometry, avoid overlooking to provide privacy between apartments, and minimising overshadowing. The double ellipse geometry is offset forming slots that provide natural light and ventilation to the common areas. Two organically shaped podium buildings creating a human scaled streetscape connect the towers. A curvilinear internal street links the two tower lobbies that are expressed as timber clad ellipses.

A restrained palette of warm natural materials creates an inviting and sophisticated residential character. Timber fins on the podium provide a tactile base. The towers are encircled in deep horizontal sun-shading bands in three tones of bronze aluminium, with depths that vary in response to orientation and interior function.

Both apartments demonstrate contemporary layering and details such as bespoke handles, timber panelling and quality classic finishes to showcase the outstanding construction and joinery capabilities of the client developer, Schiavello.

The jury commented on the project:

"A sympathetic yet striking structure that seems to have instilled new life and a new demographic into the local area. The design is unfailingly contemporary, yet elements – such as the curvaceous form of the tower, and the pigmented precast panels – nevertheless capture the essence of Bondi.”

The project won against stiff competition from Europe. It also shortlisted in the Best Interior Design category.

Congratulations to the team, led by Design Director, Philip Vivian.

A selection of the students work can be viewed in the Gallery below.

A contrasting palette of hard and soft materials throughout reference the vibrancy of Melbourne’s laneways and the dynamic local hospitality scene.

A national design philosophy devised by the design team delivered a consistent approach, augmented by unique design solutions at a local level in each of the Corrs projects.

Joachim commented:

"The opportunity for us as designers with regards to robotics - lies within the processes of Mass Customization and design to fabrication. The adoption of digital fabrication in the creative industries continues to accelerate as the potential for innovation and creative expression using robotics is harnessed."

The team at Bates Smart is very interested in extending the spectrum of architectural services - offering a continued role following the design process – leading into a production process. We are currently part of a design to fabrication process as part of the Collins House project. The project relies heavily on prefabrication strategy and we are able to be part of that process using our BIM capabilities.

Image by 'Stressed Skins', Bespoke Geometry

Open to journalists, editors, authors, producers and others reporting on architecture and design in NSW, the prize recognises quality communication, public engagement and high-quality debate.

The Award is open to entries from electronic, print, specialist, popular and online media, and specialist architectural and design focused public events. Submissions should have been broadcast, published, circulated, or have occurred in New South Wales after the 1st January 2015 and before the closing date of the Award.

Director, Jeff Copolov commented on Bates Smart's long association with this talented artist:

"I was fortunate to be a part of the judging committee for the selection of her sculpture ‘Joie de Vivre’ when involved in our Orica House upgrade in the late 1980’s. I still think the work is perfect for the space and feels like it now fully belongs to the entry first envisaged in the mid-1950s by our practice.

"Inge was indeed a delight to work with, elegant, intelligent and so sophisticated and talented. She was in her mid 70’s then! She is a great loss to our post war culture."

His ambitious thesis proposition was a highly contextual and well researched raised railway line between Jewell and Moreland Railway stations along the Upfield line in Brunswick.

Will investigated how varying building programs and community facilities/infrastructure could be incorporated alongside this raised 2km long construction and speculated the symbiotic relationships that would emerge with the surrounding context as a result of these insertions.

The jury commented: "Will's axonometric drawings were highly detailed, beautiful and animated!

"A well resolved and visually intriguing investigation into the potentially rich by-product of large scale infrastructure interventions and how it could enhance the surrounding community."

Will's award-winning project can be viewed on the gallery link below.