217 North

A narrow canyon between two existing buildings on the Great North Road ridge presented a challenging space to fill, with the brief specifying a unique, quality building projecting urban sophistication. The elevated location lent itself to a floor plate running the long axis of the site, utilising views to the north and the south. From the street, the exterior of the building forms an imposing presence, and signifies a protective shield between the occupants and the main road. From the interior, the steel screens generate a sense of delicacy and openness. Apartments span the depth of the building, allowing occupants the essential residential condition of public front and private back. In keeping with the surrounding villas, a formal and structured face is presented to the road while the living space opens up to the rear, extending the domestic space informally from inside to out.