How These Apartments Are Redefining the Australian Dream of a Home
In Australia, we've almost been conditioned to view apartments as something temporary until you can move out to the suburbs in your detached home on a quarter-acre block, most likely with your 2.3 children and dog. However, Aurburn Road is an apartment development designed by Aych Architects that challenges this idea, providing generous 2 and 3 bedroom apartments without being excessively huge. There wasn't an objective to see how many apartments could be squeezed into the site. As a result, each apartment benefits from good passive solar and cross ventilation. Externally, the building uses predominately a single material, timber, which will weather and age differently due to the angles and depths. Internally the apartments reference the heritage area of Hawthorn, with deep greens and brass used in a contemporary way.
Soft greys and timbers complement the marble and stone. Times seem to be changing, and the idea of the 'Great Australian Dream' is being questioned as we desire to live near where we work, socialise, shop, eat and play. When we look deeper into ourselves and question and challenge these dated beliefs, apartment living seems to make more sense.
Located in Hawthorn, Victoria, Artistry Collective/Auburn Road consists of seven apartments across four levels, including a penthouse. The intent was to create high-quality, unique housing that harmonises with the existing fabric of the area, including nearby heritage sites.
The project puts forward the notion of a hybrid living experience, combining the convenience and security of apartments with the spaciousness and minimal garden maintenance of townhouses. Each residence features a generous northerly aspect, expansive glazing, and external terrace/courtyard areas, ensuring equitable access to sunlight and views for all occupants.
This project showcases a no-compromise execution, akin to a high-end custom home on a larger scale. The benefit of being able to adopt a sensitive housing model has enabled a level of equity across the entire project as a whole. The result is a building that makes all of its occupants happy and allows them equal opportunity for a healthy living experience.
Throughout the development process, extensive community consultation took place, resulting in unanimous approval from stakeholders and ensuring sensitivity to the site, place, environment, and culture.
