The project explores characterful spaces, figured publically accessible and commercial spaces, working with found conditions, interesting material combinations, making urban connections, and urban impact.

The urban thinking came first. A through block link between Elizabeth St and Lt Latrobe St set the urban diagram. A new linear open space known as the Laneway provides relief from pedestrians on Elizabeth St. Activity is attracted by a connection to Lt Latrobe St and access to first floor tenancies. First floor dining terraces are provided overlooking Elizabeth St and Literature Lane.

The project sits between a heritage building and a 65 storey residential tower. The scale relates to the heritage fabric and new glazed and retained brick facades provide distinctive character at pedestrian level. The over-scaled glazed roof over the entry Laneway provides urban emphasis within the developing high-density precinct.

With the “laneway and outdoor terraces defined, the tenancies are figured around these key urban moves. Tenancies provide opportunity for areas with a range of scales, shapes and characters.

Further character is explored in materials used. Steel columns and beams provide structure and polished concrete floors provide robust textured flooring. Timber mullions are used to provide texture and warmth with timber blades continuing the façade rhythm to the outdoor terraces. Glazed facades continue above the roof and are rear glazed to lighten the parapet. New and existing openings in brick facades are emphasized with steel hoods and a limited colour pallet ties the various façade treatments together.

• YEAR: 2015
• SITE AREA: 800m2
• LOCATION: Melbourne CBD
• PHOTOGRAPHER: superk