Four student accommodation towers designed by four different architecture firms will be built along Anzac Parade in Sydney’s Kensington and Kingsford, with development approvals granted.
The projects are all being built by developer Scape, the largest student accommodation provider in Australia, which is spending around $1 billion on these four projects plus a fifth tower for which it says approval is “imminent”.
The towers range from six to 18-storeys. Design competitions were held for each tower, with SJB, BVN, PTW and Plus Architecture appointed for the four approved towers.
SJB is designing the largest of three projecs, Scape Lachlan at the Todman Square intersection, which will comprise a cluster of three towers atop a shared base with community, communal and retail functions.
Joseph Loh, SJB studio associate, said the design prioritizes public space. “The building is modulated into components which play against the skyline and scale to enhance the street character,” he said.
“Materials shift in colour, texture and transparency creating a rich, varied experience at pedestrian level. Concrete, glass and brick structures are contrasted with fine steel details, pattern and landscape. At the internal intersection of the through-site link and newly formed Lachlan Lane, the community work hub is a space that everyone can engage in. Generous shared spaces at the heart of the precinct emphasize public access and social blending of users.”
Plus Architecture will design the tower at 182-190 Anzac Parade, BVN the tower at 172-180 Anzac Parade and PTW Architects the building at 391-397 Anzac Parade.
Stephen Gaitanos, managing director and co-founder of Scape said, “Scape’s trophy assets will deliver much needed residential and student rental accommodation and deliver an economic hub for Randwick’s expanding health and education precincts.”
Scape said in a statement the buildings would include rooftop pools with gyms, outdoor cinemas and relaxation zones, co-working and study zones and other kinds of shared space to encourage social interaction.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
