Joy Burch has announced the winning entry of the Northbourne Flats design competition:
Ms Burch said the competition Jury was unanimous in its decision to award first prize to Melbourne-based firm John Wardle Architects for its design titled “Weave”.
“The entry more than trebles the number of units currently on site while incorporating features that help it retain an open feel and also be sympathetic to its surrounding environment,” Ms Burch said.
“Just as important as its urban design quality is the fact that the proposal is a practical one that the panel judged was eminently achievable.”
The entry proposed retaining some of the existing buildings and extending them. As well as adding to the number of homes to bring the total to 905 from 248 currently, there are also proposals for retail outlets, a cafe and child care facilities.
Weave incorporates gardens inside the complex, including a community vegetable garden. Among the extensive sustainability features are photovoltaic panels for the rooftops of all buildings, solar orientation of buildings, a mini wetland to assist passive stormwater treatment and the use of materials to reduce carbon emissions associated with the project.
Minister Burch promises that Housing and Community Services is going to start talking to the current denizens of the flats about what it means to them.
You can get a big look at the winning entry “Weave” on the pdf we’ve been supplied with.