JOURNAL/ December-January/2016

Developed by Canberra Airport Corporation, Bates Smart were responsible for both the architecture and interiors of the six level hotel, which includes 191 rooms, suites and apartments, conferencing facilities, a restaurant, bar and lounges.

Bates Smart director Philip Vivian said when designing the hotel, Bates Smart sought to reflect Canberra’s DNA, resulting in a hotel crafted specifically for its location and context.

“We have created a uniquely Canberran destination for travellers to enjoy, one that will attract visitors with its timeless design combining circular and axial geometries to create a distinctive form, derived from both its context and referencing Canberra’s history. These circular geometries allow the building to be read in the round, responding to the site’s multiple approach and vantage points.”

Appointed to the project after winning a major design competition in 2013, Bates Smart has also designed the interiors, which echo the circular theme present in the building’s geometry.The holistic approach to the internal and external environment has resulted in a design-driven hotel with a consistent aesthetic that runs throughout – from the floorplate to the bathroom tiles.

Bates Smart Director Guy Lake comments on the team's approach:

"Our design for the project is expressed as three interlocking objects, representing the primary uses on the site: a slender residential tower with views spanning from Homebush to the city; active ground level uses including a licenced club and retail below a parking podium; and a sustainable office headquarters for Sydney Olympic Park Authority."

The facade approach unifies the building composition through a combination of terracotta, glass and aluminium panels. The tower is expressed a serires of stacked multi-storey volumes, and wrapped in glass and silver metal to project a shimmering skin. By using a façade that blurs the boundary of the office space and the parking, the podium design enhances the identity of the office while suppressing the identity of the above ground parking. The façade uses terracotta and glass in alternating panels of varying width to seamlessly transition from a more solid facade that visually conceals the cars to an open facade that provides natural light and outlook to the office space.

The project is due for completion in 2018. 

Designed by Bates Smart for Australian Aged Care Group Pty Ltd, the facility boasts spacious resident suites, a day spa, virtual golf simulator, individual wine cellars and wine tasting room, hydrotherapy pool, gold class cinema and concierge service, all within walking distance to South Yarra’s Como Park, the Chapel Street precinct and the Capital City Trail.

Project Leader, Mark Di Bartolo comments:

“Alexandra on the Park turns the current aged care model on its head, it offers a luxury hotel type experience in place of the familiar hospital based standard. It allows residents to enjoy the best quality of life possible.”

The building's modernist pavilions are strategically perched within a graded landscape to seamlessly weave together its luxurious interiors, landscape designed courtyards and Melbourne’s city views beyond the Yarra River.

John Matthies of Australian Aged Care Pty Ltd commented on the project:
"This model is unprecedented in aged care and provides similar amenity and elegance to 6-star international hotels. Alexandra on The Park will provide spacious suites up to 144 sqm in size. Owned and operated by a family company renowned for the quality of care over a period in excess of 50 years Alexandra on The Park will be fully appreciated by those accustomed to the very best.”

The three new Studio Directors Basil Richardson, Steve Jones and Robert Graham each contribute key strengths to the broader practice. Focusing on technology, modern solutions, and exceptional communication and delivery skills they will together reinforce the existing Directors in preparation for its next generation of growth.

Basil Richardson is an industry leader ensuring design integrity on projects across multiple sectors, including TransGrid Head Office, The Ainsworth Building UNSW, 177 Pacific Highway North Sydney and 130 Elizabeth Street, Sydney.

Steve Jones brings broad international experience and capability to large complex projects leading high-end luxury residential developments including Capitol Grand, 424 St Kilda Road and 178 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne.

Robert Graham is acknowledged as one of the profession’s foremost design and delivery architects developing innovative solutions for large scale projects including Collins Square, UNSW Kensington Colleges and the recently launched Canberra Vibe Hotel.

The design by Bates Smart, in consultation with heritage architect Lovell Chen, highlights the historic decorative ceiling details and columns which will be carefully re-created in the proposed residential foyer. The ceiling beams, coffers and column capitals feature intricate mouldings; casts of which will be taken for exact reproduction when the new lobby is constructed.

The display features a 3-bedroom kitchen, dining and living space with bathrooms finished in the Collins Scheme complemented with a range of audio visual and print display material and a scale model.

Dramatic up-lighting brings the room to life and creates an open, warm and welcoming sales environment directly accessed and viewed from Collins Street. 

Studio Director Steve Jones comments on the project:

"The two sites are neighbouring the Pullman Melbourne on the Park have provided us with an opportunity to create a new precinct that complements the grand style of living that is synonymous with East Melbourne.

"22-40 Clarendon Street occupies a prominent site facing Fitzroy Gardens - Melbourne’s most beautiful urban park - while 178 Wellington Parade commands spectacular views towards Yarra Park and the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

"The proposed development on Clarendon Street includes the refurbishment by Lovell Chen of the historic Italianate mansion of Mosspennoch House built in 1881 for James Lidell Purves, Q.C.

"The proposed new buildings are designed as restrained contemporary companions for Mosspennoch House and the historic residential fabric of East Melbourne.

"Window frames and secondary facade elements are darker and more recessive to emphasise the classical proportions of the masonry grid. Large covered terraces face the Fitzroy Gardens, whilst generously proportioned balconies and terraces are located on Wellington Parade to take maximum advantage of the views whilst providing ample opportunity for indoor/outdoor living.

"The interior design for the entire development continues the classical contemporary theme allowing for elegant and spacious living. The base palette of high-quality natural materials allows residents to tailor their new home to their personal preferences, whilst exuding the quintessential quality of living that makes East Melbourne one of the most desirable residential addresses in Melbourne."

The interior design approach has been led by Associate Director Mark Healey. Mark has worked hand in hand with Cabrini to challenge outdated operational norms to bring a new level of quality care, comfort and serenity to the patient.

A critical addition to the hospital campus is the inclusion of the radiotherapy bunkers which will complete an integrated cancer care model and improve the patient experience, allowing patients to remain on site for all their treatment.

Geoff Fazakerley, Cabrini, comments: "The focus Cabrini has on improving the whole experience of attending Hospital for both patient and family is clearly displayed in the design of this building."

The seven storey 138 bed project has just been submitted for town planning.

A unique long span structure consisting of a 17m span with 6m cantilevers creates highly flexible open plan floors.

The glazed Garden Plaza is designed to form a seamless transition between inside and outside. A restaurant and cafe will offer generous spaces for social gathering and informal meetings.

The Garden Plaza will potentially host exhibitions and events.The main office lobby is raised above the Garden Plaza and anchors the space. A second dedicated lobby is accessed via escalators to a raised volume overlooking the plaza.

177 Pacific Highway is a next generation workplace and will be the first new high-rise office in North Sydney this century.

Due for completion in September 2016.