Key design considerations for height, form, articulation, and tower programming are informed by a network of visible and invisible contextual variables resulting in a building that is responsive to its urban setting.
The tower floor plate is double the size of the typical surrounding residential towers. The tower is subdivided into multi-faceted contextual zones, each with specifically tailored functional and aesthetic characteristics. The building is bisected along its north/south axis into two primary volumes. The base is further articulated with a third volume that echoes the scale of the heritage Brookland Court building to the west. Continuity is maintained across each volumetric zone with a consistent rhythm of eight storey modules that proportionally reference the height of the adjacent structure.
The base, predominantly accommodating rental housing, addresses the immediate urban context with a higher degree of solidity and mass. Vertical fins are arrayed across the facade in an irregular rhythm. The composite stone material that clads the walls and fins appears monolithic when viewed obliquely. It offers high performance, durability, and longevity; an asset to the rental program component.
The west half of the bisected tower addresses the park elevation with a horizontal expression of balconies taking advantage of views to offer more expansive outdoor space. Four modules, each containing eight floors, are stacked vertically and delineated by a continuous metal-clad band that relates to the prominent cornice on Brookland Court. Each successive module has denser balconies that minimise overlook at lower floors and maximise views at higher floors.
Conversely, the east half of the tower is clad with curtain wall glazing with inset balconies for minimal vertical interruption. The curtain wall is wrapped with a diagonal lattice of louvres to mitigate solar gains on the southeast-facing exposure. The shading devices thoughtfully balance solar shading with light infiltration and views while creating an engaging visual pattern that distinguishes the tower on the Skyline.
The shading pattern is the result of extensive modelling, material studies, and innovative detailing. Each volume required a unique material and detailing approach through the lens of resiliency, durability, and building performance. The varied massing and façade treatments allow for responsive design solutions tailored to specific environmental and climatic conditions. The balconies, as an example, employ integrated thermal breaks to limit heat gain and loss on the north facade. At the same time, the high-performance curtain wall on the east façade facilitates seamless integration of the shading devices.
In addition to these passive features, active building systems include efficient geothermal exchange heat pumps and are monitored through enhanced commissioning analysis. Together, the comprehensive program of sustainability strategies results in LEED Gold certification for the project.