We designed the building as three interconnected rectilinear volumes of varying height organized around a 35m x 18m landscaped courtyard. The siting of the volumes frames a highly efficient C-shaped plan, with reduced height to the south hiding the bulk of the building behind the street wall. Building height, form and orientation have been carefully composed to sit sympathetically within the established urban context, maximising outlook and view sharing. Colour and materiality is integral to the design and communal outdoor spaces and soft landscaping have been maximised to improve liveability and set a new precedent for neighbourhood architecture.

We wrapped the buildings in a precast concrete grid that embraces the modularity of the apartments. The horizontal projects 350mm from the large awning windows to provide shading, while the vertical piers are set back 100mm to enhance the façade’s visual depth. The grid extends above the rooftop to create a crown and to frame the roof terrace and basketball court. At the base the central volume is elevated to express the double height communal spaces within.

The ground plane is organised across two interconnected floors accommodating communal facilities anchored by the eastern courtyard. Its plantings are layered: historic Mascot species mixed with exotic species add canopy and understory to the site. Residents enter the building on the southern side of the upper ground level, where the café and lounge are located; walking beyond leads to reception, formal meeting rooms, communal spaces, and a terrace, all wrapped around the courtyard.

A double-height void and wide stair lead to lower ground, where the media room, gym, library, games, laundry, bike storage and more communal spaces are located. The floor opens directly onto the covered BBQ area and courtyard, connecting residents directly to the large greenspace. The green at lower ground is mirrored on the roof, where a large, landscaped terrace and basketball court offer more spaces for socialising and play.