The Eden Art Wall apartment development explores the line between architecture and sign. This urban infill project is located in a varied and complex part of the Sydney cityscape and is visible from many vantages. The office sought to explore the possibilities of adding to the tapestry as a piece of art in the urban landscape. The project comprises 24 apartments consisting of a mix of 1 bed, 2 bed and 3 bed penthouses. The project is located in a narrow laneway adjoining apartments to the east, and looks onto the Frasers Central Park development to the west. Initially we determined the design envelope and the unit layouts to maximize amenity, views, ventilation, solar access and efficiency. The 2 principle facades faced entirely different issues, The eastern façade is in close proximity to adjoining apartments and contains the principle living areas for solar access. This façade has a fully operable façade with a combination of glass, silver metal and red metal louvers to control privacy. The west façade contains bedrooms and circulation corridors. We used vertical louvers here to control western sun. This is the art wall. Vertical louvres of varying colors and textures create a pattern on the eight-story facade that is discernible only from a distance. Up close it’s just a part of the color of the city, by when viewed from afar a distinct image emerges of fabric flowing in the breeze. Five visual concepts were trialed, including the face of a Kate Blanchette. In a unique approach, the final image was chosen from an on-line poll of various options to allow the public to decide the streetscape of their city. Some Council officers even registered their preference, with the abstract fabric design being judged more appropriate than the graphic of the attractive blonde, the floating clouds, the cityscape and the CBD skyline. The interiors are bold, with colorful tiles, geometric-patterned wallpaper, exposed storage options, modular joinery, and kitchens designed as large pieces of furniture to maximize the space.
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