Old place, new face
The object of our attention is an outdated, underused office building with 13 floors of workplace and six levels of parking on a 1058sqm site.
But we see something else: the potential to create appealing BTR apartments to meet high demand. By transforming the building while retaining the existing structure and core, we could cut construction time costs and reduce carbon emissions.
Living lighter
After heatmapping analysis, we arranged the apartments on the building’s eastern face to capture the sunlight needed for living spaces plus offer better outlooks. Any existing workplace areas would remain, retaining the existing façade.
A smart ‘kit of parts’ approach to the apartments would involve building volumetric pre-fabricated modules off-site via efficient timber cassette systems. Modular elements like these could also achieve planning efficiency.
Achieving uplift
There’s also potential to add seven more levels to the building, with 6-metre and 4-metre setbacks to the northern and western boundaries. What’s even better? We could build the new levels more efficiently and sustainably with pre-fabricated Cross Laminated Timber (CLT).
Trading places
Under the scheme, we strategically swapped the BTR apartment modules in some locations with landscaped, communal open spaces for residents. On the low-rise levels, commercial tenants could also enjoy these spaces.
Green space in the grid
Our series of ‘inserted’ communal spaces would give apartment dwellers greater access to fresh air and greenery. By arranging the modules at prime locations on the façade, we’d also maximise outlooks and access to daylight.
Framing the future
Together, these design moves would turn the tower into a healthier living-working hybrid, with nearly equal amounts of apartments and office space. Importantly, we’d refresh the building by introducing almost 670sqm of communal outdoor space. Could you imagine the difference?
