Architectus acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, work and learn.
We honour their unique cultural and spiritual relationships with the lands, waters, skies, and communities, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Client:
Themisto Pty Ltd
Location:
Wollongong, New South Wales
Status:
DA Approved
GFA:
20,300m2
Contact Person:
Marko Damic
Inspired by the coastal landscape and local brickmaking of Wollongong, a new multi-building precinct on the corner of Burelli and Church St ties itself to local context.
Five distinct apartment buildings wrap around a large landscaped courtyard, improving community amenity, urban connectivity and provisioning for future through-site connections.
Community player
Significant value is added through high-quality urban design, improved pedestrian movement, activation of all street frontages, and the introduction of new public and communal spaces. The design also responds sensitively to neighbouring conditions by sculpting building mass to reduce overshadowing and maximise sunlight to MacCabe Park.
Socially responsible and environmentally sustainable
High levels of solar access and natural ventilation—75% and 70% of apartments respectively— greatly exceed SEPP65 requirements and contribute to long-term sustainability and occupant comfort.
Tangible outcomes include a housing mix of 204 dwellings, with 10% adaptable, 20.8% liveable and 23.8% affordable units. Excavation has been minimised through a stepped basement strategy, decreasing environmental impact. Roofs are designed to accommodate photovoltaic systems covering 20% of total roof area, while landscaping draws from local Illawarra plant communities to support biodiversity and microclimate resilience.
The project incorporates several sustainability innovations such as passive design optimisation, cross-ventilation strategies, articulation to reduce overshadowing, and durable material selections that reference Wollongong’s brick and industrial heritage. Fun facts include the project’s conceptual link to the Dreamtime story of the Five Islands and the site’s historic significance as one of Wollongong’s earliest urban centres.
Integrated team
Our urban planning team provided a range of integrated services, including due diligence advice and preliminary consultation with Council through to DA preparation and management, including as expert witness in subsequent NSW Land and Environment Court (LEC) proceedings.
This integrated approach to architecture and planning provided seamless design progression, with direct input and validation of the scheme through all phases of the planning process, from concept design through to approval of the development.
“Architectus has delivered a thoughtful, high-performing design that honours Wollongong’s heritage while providing exceptional living outcomes. This proposal sets a new benchmark for sustainable, resilient, and community-focused development in the city.” – Client testimonial
Client:
Themisto Pty Ltd
Location:
Wollongong, New South Wales
Status:
DA Approved
GFA:
20,300m2
Contact Person:
Marko Damic
