The proposed development is designed to be an exemplary contemporary addition to the diverse and changing context of West Footscray. The proposed development is imagined as an abstract train carriage in reference to the adjacent predominate train line that – in part – defines the travel patterns of Footscray. It imbues a strong need for quality densification of challenging suburban contexts in response to real world climate and population concerns.
The proposed development considers, acknowledges and references its neighbourhood character in simple form with modest combinations of timber, brick and rendered materials. It reinforces the requirements of the zone and the character of the Sunshine Road frontage by continuing the shop front and providing potential small business inclusion. The mildly undulating roof form is modest and a combination of both the pitched and mildly sloped roofs found throughout the adjacent dwellings. Treated respectfully and modestly in colorbond steel it slips easily into the neighbourhood context.
Each dwelling is individually articulated using a combination of material and material orientation, as well as minor detailing such as the recessing and hiding of structural detail. General detailing, such as awnings, eaves and balconies, are modest and careful. As a whole, the building is gently articulated as a mass of connected volumes, with window sizes that mimic adjacent dwellings.
ARCHITECTS
Phat Nguyen & Edmund Carter
CATEGORY
Apartments
YEAR
Melbourne, 2012-2014
