The sculpted building form of Grafton 59 responds to the panoramic harbour views for the occupants and their neighbours. It is a 19-storey mixed use building in Bondi Junction with commercial tenancies on the lower levels, 63 large apartments, and an array of amenities including gym and common gardens. Coloured precast concrete is the predominant external façade material, chosen for its durability to minimise long-term maintenance.
Expand ContentThe building is modulated by gently scalloping away from the street frontages along the podium façade and tower above. On the southern side, it is split into two slender parallel forms flanking a slot at the end of a central corridor. Apart from enabling natural light and ventilation into the corridor, this arrangement breaks down the tower mass on the narrow lane frontage.
The scalloped form is expressed both in the macro and micro scale, from the overall building form to the detailing of the precast spandrels. Within the scalloped spandrels, angled screens articulate the façade whilst directing residents’ outlook towards the view whilst screening from neighbours and summer sun. Vertical balusters at the perimeter of the balconies are integrated into the profiled precast slab edges and spandrels.
At the podium levels, balconies alternate at each second bay. Convex sun shading awnings fit within the scalloped form of the northern podium to provide shading from the summer sun to the bedrooms along this facade.
A sustainable approach was adopted through passive design initiatives, advanced technologies and self-sufficiency. Environmental design principles include high performance glazing, rooftop PV panels, rainwater harvesting water efficient fittings and communal car share. Facades invite winter sun to penetrate whilst blocking summer sun, and the design maximises cross ventilation and solar access to as many apartments as possible.
At the northern edge of this CBD, the site affords captivating views of Sydney harbour, extensive parklands and Woollahra. The buildings olive green tones strengthen this connection to its verdant surroundings.
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