Challenge
The challenge was to create a residential and retail tower as part of a design competition.
With its unrivalled position and widespread views, the location provided an opportunity to create a development that would become an iconic address while maximising its north-facing position and panoramic outlook.
Solution
WMK’s scheme created prominent retail offerings along Liverpool and Elizabeth Streets. The dramatic double volume lobby has its address as Elizabeth Street but still maintains views back to Hyde Park.
The 151 apartments are broken up into high and low rise components. This strategy maximised apartment areas to the top of the building as the lower core dropped off.
The large two and three bed apartments have a northerly aspect over Hyde Park out to the harbour. All apartments were designed with generous outdoor spaces to take full advantage of the location.
Outcome
The architectural resolution is both contemporary and timeless. The massing strategy creates a response that is urbane, tailored, and refined to its dignified address.
The tower resonates with its context, with the podium’s vaulted forms referencing both the site’s retail history and the historic train tunnels below.
The design is a contemporary concrete structure with lightweight metal-clad balconies to clearly define itself as the newest addition within the ensemble of buildings.