This development is involved demolition of an single storey residential dwelling at 316 Gordon Street and the construction of 3 semi-attached residential dwellings with 2 storeys of height, augmented by a third storey roof deck with a 1.7m (from floor) parapet that is figured in such a way that it provides both view and privacy screening. This medium density development is considered in the context of numerous public transport links and existing medium density development adjacent, and explores a number of unusual strategies for maximising on site functionality and minimising off-site detriment to amenity whilst delivering an architecture that is unusual and exciting, but also complimentary and respective.
The project comprises a Southern boundary accessway connecting 3 enclosed car parking bays (with generous storage facilities). Access to these garages is unique: ground floor walls are curved to the 4m required radius, providing an articulated formal proposal (inside and out) as well as effective, safe access. Ground floors are brick and comprise primary living spaces, broken into 2 flexible zones separated by a sliding panel. The upper floors are timber and brick and articulate a brick volume emerging from a brick one. 3 bedrooms with a small “break out” space are provided on the second floor, and a generous third storey roof deck augments existing ground floor private open space.
The buildings are simply and deliberately designed to be modest in form and to leverage off existing suburban building stock in terms of their marterial articulation. The brown tiles and white weatherboard is reversed into white tiles (as brickwork) and brown timber – a partner to the adjacent dwelling, and an echo of the existing dwelling. The proposed development is designed to be of high quality, both in its cladding and in its internal spaces and layout. A highly considered architectural outcome can bring both balance and excitement to the streetscape, and form a rewarding place to live.
ARCHITECTS
Phat Nguyen & Edmund Carter
CATEGORY
Houses
YEAR
Melbourne, 2012-2014
