Chatswood Towers, Residential Building Sydney, Cox Richardson Architects Australia

Chatswood Residential Towers, Sydney

Chatswood Residential Towers Sydney design by Cox Richardson Architects, Australia

3 May 2011

Chatswood Residential Towers Sydney

Cox Creates Crowned Columns in Chatswood

Cox Richardson Architects are contributing to vertical urban living in Chatswood with three residential towers above Chatswood Station.

This transport-oriented development takes advantage of the of the trains, shopping, bars and restaurants all available in the one location below the towers.

images : Ivolve ; model images from architects

Cox Richardson Director, Nick Tyrrell, said, “Socially, the exciting thing about this development is that it offers residents the real opportunity of never having to get into a car to travel to work, shop or meet friends for dinner or a drink. It offers people more time to spend together rather than on the road.”

“Not only does it reduce the stress of urban life for residents it also reduces stress on the environment and represents a real change in thinking on how we live in the more dense parts of cities in Australia.”

The initial design concept for the development, jointly conceived by Cox Richardson and DesignInc, crowns Chatswood’s Transport Interchange with distinct diadem created by the folding blades atop each tower.

Tyrrell said, “Architecturally, the exciting thing about this design is the ambiguity embedded in the scheme. There is an ambiguity of use for instance and restrained elegance achieved by the enclosure of the external balconies that improve amenity by controlling wind speeds on the balcony. Also the feature blade wall on each tower kicks out as a skirt to address down draughts onto the street below. Aesthetically, both these features and make it hard to tell if the building is residential or commercial in function and genre.

“The sleek metal and glass curtain walls emphasise the buildings height while the exceptionally slender forms are achieved via compact floor plates. The towers express symbolic connections to the north, south and west via the feature blade walls on one façade of each tower. These blades provide a city-scale signal or beacon expressing the broader rail network available to both residents and the general public, south towards the City, northwards to Hornsby and westwards to Epping and beyond.”

Clearly others agree. The first two towers (Metro View and Metro Spire) sold out in one weekend, and the final third tower (Metro Grand) is selling fast.

At up to 260 metres above sea-level these sculpted structures will provide views to Sydney Heads, across the CBD, west to the Blue Mountains and north over the Ku-ring-gai National Park.

The retail centre at the base of the new complex will boast a thriving ‘Eat Street’ on the western side of the podium and a sun lit and naturally ventilated north/south pedestrian street connecting the heritage listed Garden of Remembrance with Chatswood Mall.

Tyrrell said, ”The towers respond to the Chatswood city grid, adjacent boundaries, rail alignment and minimise shadow impact on the Garden of Remembrance. There are strong pedestrian links connecting across the site at ground level that ensure high levels of activity adjacent to residential address points.”

“The slenderness of the towers allow for more corner apartments, multi-directional views, cross-ventilation and greater light penetration. The apartments also have multi-purpose wintergardens which provide versatile living space.”

Cox Richardson Associate, Ramin Jahromi, notes that, “At Metro Residences the relationship of indoor to outdoor living is fundamental. The Wintergarden spaces allow for year-round indoor-outdoor living in all weather conditions. When opened up they create fluid space that brings the outside in, when closed they form a separate room.”

“The key to excellence in apartment design is, we believe, in creating a sense of space and light; an experience that extends from the entry through the living areas to the terrace. The building façade design maximises the incredible views, with many full height glazed panels allowing natural light to penetrate and enliven the living spaces.

Tania Taylor, Cox Richardson Associate responsible for the interior design on the project said, “Inside the apartments we were looking to provide connection and flow through between all the spaces. Kitchen zones become part of the living environment and a focal point rather than simply a utilitarian place to prepare meals. Top European brand appliances are on show, cupboard handles disappear, and colour palettes are natural, focusing on texture and sophistication.”

Construction of the Transport Interchange and Retail Centre commenced in 2005 and the station was formally opened in 2008. The Retail Centre fitout is due to commence soon and the three residential towers above are proceeding at pace.

The towers will integrate urban living into the heart of Chatswood’s shopping, dining, working and entertainment precinct. Residents will be able to use an indoor 25-metre heated lap pool, spa, fully-equipped gymnasium, and a landscaped outdoor sun terrace.

Metro View and Metro Spire on the north-eastern edge of the already completed retail podium, provide 292 apartments with the third tower, Metro Grand, on the western side of the site offers 261 apartments. These range from compact one bedroom apartments to spacious luxury sub-penthouses and penthouses atop the three towers.

Established in 1964, COX is one of Australia’s most awarded architecture practices well known for its many iconic projects. It is an integrated company providing services in planning, urban design, architecture and interior design to clients both nationally and internationally.

Chatswood Residential Towers Sydney images / information received 030511

Cox Architects

Location: Chatswood Station, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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The 2010 Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture was a clear demonstration of this – being awarded this year to the Epping to Chatswood Rail Link, Intermediate Stations in Sydney by national practice HASSELL.
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Design: Cox Architecture

photograph : John Gollings
Coliseum Theatre in Western Sydney, NSW