CONNECT CORPORATE CENTRE
MASCOT
Challenge
Located a stone's throw from Sydney airports, the Connect Corporate Centre will incorporate close to 40,000sqm of retail and office spaces as well as a five-star hotel.
The brief was to create three commercial buildings to read as a distinct, yet visually complementary counterpoint to the adjacent new five-star hotel.
Solution
The commercial building is glazed and open with two separate volumes reducing the buildings’ visual bulk. Metal framing elements reflect the arrangement and materiality of the ‘window boxes’ of the hotel.
The east and west glazed façades are defined by a series of vertical blade elements projecting out, providing visual screening from the hotel to the east and solar screening to the west.
The podium acts as a unifying element that is sympathetic to both buildings. The car park levels that face the hotel forecourt mimic the office levels above, blurring the distinction between the different functions. The remainder of the car park is fully screened.
Outcome
WMK has designed a vibrant and contemporary retail and office hub in this prime location, close to Mascot, the airports, and CBD.
The centre will have an abundance of amenities including the hotel, restaurant, conference facilities, gym, cafe, and end-of-trip facilities. The retail precinct will act as a hub for staff and the local community.
Using elements that define the articulation of the hotel tower and adapting them to be used in the design of the office building ties the architectural vocabulary of both buildings together.
Stage one is completed and offers a 4.5-star NABERS energy rating and a four-star Green Star design rating.
