The Alpha by Tony Owen Partners has been completed in Sydney. Alpha’s unique design represents the future character of urban architecture in Sydney, with a distinctive design and style which sets it apart from other developments. Its hexagonal pod-like façade creates an environmental screen which controls light and frames the views, allowing maximum exposure as well as privacy.
The seven storey building encompasses seventy one bedroom and two bedroom apartments and retail/commercial spaces. The top levels contain two and three bedroom two storey ‘skyhomes’ with hexagonal metal pods leading onto expansive roof terraces with panoramic views towards the city and surrounding parklands.
Digital software was use to realise this iconic façade in a highly cost effective way. Working with the factory in China we rationalised the façade down to a single aluminium extrusion, similar to a window mullion.
This combined with a standard nodal connection meant the entire façade was realised for 2.5% of the construction cost- less than a normal facade. Our greatest challenge has been in demonstrating that progressive design elements are no more expensive than standard designs.
Alpha’s bold lobbies incorporate profiled concrete walls and profiled coloured glass. The ground floor contains child care facilities, while each level of the building has a unique two-storey communal lounge area to encourage interaction between residents. Alpha’s unique interiors match the progressive concepts of the architecture.
Located in Lewisham on the fringe of the Sydney city centre, the Alpha will form the cornerstone of the new McGill design precinct. The McGill master plan, prepared by Tony Owen Partners, is envisaged as a hip mixed use designer precinct with a collection of contemporary buildings and public open spaces forming an exciting new community.
The vision for the area combines the heritage values and rich history of Lewisham with modern ecologically sustainable development. Almost all apartments come with modern ecologically sustainable development. The apartment interiors continue this edgy design approach.
The ‘Scandia’ uses different timbers to create a fresh, modern feel with bright finishes, open kitchens and polished floorboards. ‘Aalto’ has bold finishes including coloured glass, interesting lighting features, bright kitchens and polished concrete floor tiles.
The skyhomes have two storey living areas, loft bedrooms and dramatic stair voids, with the upper level fronting onto their private rooftop garden terraces. Source by Tony Owen Partners.
Location: Lewisham, Sydney, Australia
Architect: Tony Owen Partners
Year: 2015
Photo and Images: Courtesy of Tony Owen Partners
