Fig Tree Pocket is an enclave of four buildings arranged around three green gardens. The architecture is modern and classical at the same time, created through a limited palette coupled with an architecture of rhythm and unity. The building forms are created though consideration of passive solar design, privacy and natural cross-ventilation.
Expand ContentThe masterplan for this site proposed four building envelopes that ran north-south connecting the main address to the back of the site where heritage listed stables has been retained. In addition to the stables, a two-storey Victorian manor, has also been retained. In consideration for the scale of these two buildings, the form of the new buildings steps down from seven storeys to three.
Across the four buildings there are a total of 165 apartments, mostly spacious 3 bedroom apartments. We aimed to create apartments that were bright, cross-ventilated, functional and received winter sun.
When looking at the building’s elevations you see three horizontal exposed concrete slabs that run the full length of the building, derived from the three key datums of the adjoining stables. Juxtaposed to this are a series of vertical polished concrete blades that rise the full height of the building and splay open to the north. The blades are sculpted at the top, as they fold into clerestory windows, and splay back at the base where they open onto ground floor courtyards. These blade walls direct views to the north, instead of across to the other side of the garden or road.
Due to the shape of the site, the masterplan was developed to have east-west orientated apartments, which are commonly hot in summer and cold in winter unless passive solar design principles are employed. Protecting the apartments from the hot summer sun and allowing the winter sun in was a priority for us when we designed these apartments (without reliance on blinds or louvres.) This has been achieved through the combination of deep balconies, angled solid blade walls and north-facing living room windows. This allows the lower winter sun to penetrate into the living rooms, while shading the glass from the higher summer sun.
The north and south facades have polished concrete brise-soleils to reduce summer heat load and enhance visual privacy. These facades, oriented towards the adjacent heritage buildings, are intentionally calm and ordered.
The precast facades, polished to expose the local stone within, remain consistent on each building. The colour of the balustrades, spandrels and window frames differs between buildings to subtly distinguish them from each other.
The interiors of Figtree Pocket were designed with the concept of “Tailored Simplicity to create finely-detailed, simple interiors that complement the rigorous geometry of the architecture, while pursuing a timeless, classic aesthetic. Tall ceilings, quality materials and minimal detailing has created aprtments that are sustainable and have high levels of tangible amenity.
2020 Winner AIA NSW The Aaron Bolot Award Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
2020 Winner Randwick City Urban Design Best Conservation Project
2020 Winner Randwick City Urban Design Best Urban Project
2020 Winner Randwick City Urban Design People’s Choice Award