The project brief called for a naturally ventilated apartment block, which capitalized on the views of the surrounding mountains to the north, on a site with a height restriction bordering a riverine corridor, subject to harsh summer winds blowing from the south east. The seven storey building form which resulted from these determinants was one which turns its back to this summer wind and positions itself on the southern side of the site to create a wind shadow on the northern side of the site where a sheltered garden, with a pool pavilion, has been planted linking the building to the adjacent riverine corridor. This outdoor “room” is extremely successful in summer, when the surrounding landscape is battered by the harsh south east wind. The apartments themselves, the majority of which face north , have been arrayed around a naturally lit and ventilated seven story high atrium space, which is richly detailed and incorporates artwork and furniture to make this entrance space a very special experience. The challenge here was to design a pleasant outdoor space which feels like an indoor space. This is one of the many successes of the Citadel.
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