Challenge

The brief was to propose and deliver a mixed-use development which carefully considered Bankstown’s current condition and its future path. Our proposal connects the western residential area of Bankstown with its Town Centre located to the east through realising a clear and open through site link (TSL). The TSL will exist as a thoughtfully designed public space and thoroughfare activated with retail and social amenities. These elements are all intended to work together to create lively, varied and vibrant public spaces that provide residents and the public with considered places to meet, play and enjoy their neighbourhood.

Insight

The development also aims to realise housing demands in the area through providing five residential buildings which sit above a podium level containing a generous arrangement of communal open space and terrace style homes. It provides an innovative mix of retail, commercial, residential and public domain. The restrained approach to the residential interiors has allowed our client to position this development below the stamp duty threshold to attract the first-time home-buyer market.

Solution

Each building fronts the public space to encourage activated street edges on all accessible sides. This formation also creates openness to the internal area maximising the solar access to the depths of the site and public space. A combination of light and dark bricks dress the podiums to reflect the fine-grained patterning of buildings along the North and South Terrace. Solid balcony edges provide privacy where required with balance created by open balustrades to admit light to living spaces and vary the facades texture.

The apartments have been designed with modularity and efficiency in mind. Details are simple and refined and are finished in restrained palette options of mocha or latte, creating a neutral backdrop which frames expansive views and allows each resident to inject their personality into their space.  

Emphasising public open space, maximising building amenities and further connecting the urban context is paramount to the project’s success.