Project: Palm Beach Development, Palm Beach

Project Description:

The development consists of 57 residential apartments over ten levels above two levels of retail and commercial space. The site is on the key corner at the centre of Palm Beach. Central to the design was the creation of an active frontage to this corner to enliven the space and create a place that would act as a community focus for Palm Beach.

The plaza proposed for the corner was given enclosure by way of a living wall. This transitional green space was intended to act as a foil to the busy highway. The lofty shaded space was envisaged to create a place conducive to outdoor dining. Office space at the first floor was conceived to provide additional activation to the plaza.

A mix of high quality and spacious one, two & three bedroom residential units were proposed. The majority of units were orientated with a northern aspect and all have natural cross ventilation. The form of the building provides a reference to the lower rise residential buildings on Jefferson Lane through a three level element to this frontage.

The main tower was articulated by expressing the plan shape of the site. Consisting of two offset rectangular forms, the central spine of the stair and core areas was expressed through the full height of the building. Particular attention was given to sun shading and natural ventilation through innovative solutions. Internal breezeway doors allow opening and closing ventilation as required whilst maintaining visual privacy. The corridors to each residential lobby were designed to maximise natural light and ventilation. The floors are serviced by an open stair which allows easy and pleasant circulation as an alternative to the lift.