MODA - Scott Carver

MODA

A dynamic new cultural heart for Norwest

Challenge

The challenge was to create a high-quality residential development appropriate to the site setting and a dynamic new cultural heart to engage Norwest’s diverse communities. Located next to a riparian corridor and watercourse, this project required extensive environmentally and visually sensitive landscape architecture to compliment the architectural vision and greater urban setting, while providing high quality private spaces for residents and visitors. As the site is adjacent to a new public reserve and park, as well as a natural watercourse, the brief also included the need for pedestrian links to the wider Norwest community, interventions which provide connections for the future residents to the surrounding context. A strong sense of place was also required to restore, reinforce and forge a new community identity and ownership within the residential development.

Insight

Not only does this development take forward both the landscape and urban design principles established by the Hills Shire Council DCP, the site also sits within a broader growth area that is set to create an additional 2,373 jobs with enhanced dining and retail areas, as well as an updated cinema complex. A rise in housing demand is forecast for the North West Priority Growth Area including the Hills Shire from 70,000 dwellings to more than 100,000, with a population increase of more than 74,000 forecast through to 2031.

Solution

Designed to complement its natural surrounds, MODA delivers an iconic residential development, which provides a variety of experiences and amenities. The project includes materials and finishes that provide visual interest and complement the natural surroundings. Community, place and haven were the design principals which drove the project, with the design enhancing the community’s connection with the site, as well as with the existing riparian zone and bushland setting. The interior design approach continues the naturalistic palette and aesthetic. Joinery solutions provide special moments of delight and opportunities to showcase and display. A combination of soft timber textures and clean details maintain an atmosphere which feels, fresh, comfortable and light.

219
Apartments Over 7-12 storeys
3
Level Basement Parking
7,103
SQM Site Area
21,309
SQM GFA

Collaborators

GHD (Acoustic Engineer)

Accessible Building Solutions (Accessibility)

Efficient Living (BASIX – Environment)

Finework (Model Maker)

MCM Digital (Branding)

LTS Lockley (Surveyor)

ADG Engineering (Civil Engineer)

Northrop Engineers (Engineers)

The Hills Shire Council

Urbis (Planning)

Varga Traffic Planing (Traffic)

Blackett Maguire Goldsmith (BCA)

Design Inspiration

The Scott carver Landscape Architecture and Architecture teams worked together to create a sinuous design outcome which draws inspiration from the site’s natural setting. Three design principles of community, haven and place also drove the design process. Materials including sandstone, concrete, steel and timber were selected for their beauty, robustness, and low carbon footprint.

Details

Key features of the development include an indoor lap pool, gym, outdoor cinema, community garden, BBQ facilities and communal rooftop with expansive view over the Hills Shire District. A pedestrian and cycle link also provides site linkages to the adjacent park and surrounding context.

Planting Strategy

The planting compliments the sites setting with proposed River- Flat Eucalypt Forest tree species within the riparian zone and site perimeter. The planting has been selected to have all year-round colour, variation, and strong defined forms, as well as a minimum of 70% of indigenous/ water sensitive planting species. A green wall is also included.