Original Application Part 4 - Architectural Statement [As Published] · 132008.1787

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These buildings all rest on an elevated platform conceived as 3 organic shaped
tablets or islands that wrap around the site and create and protect logical areas for
deep root planting, water elements and cascading plants. They are integral to
maximising landscape integration. The net result is a carefully articulated and
fragmented built form.


These tablets / islands act to break down the scale of streetscape roughly into thirds
and separate the lower ground level retail component or “undercroft” of the project.
The streets natural levels are respected and the built forms step subtly to address the
changing terrain affording seamless access into the retail use. The retail planning
and footpath design contribute positively, to the pedestrian experience for which
Hastings Street is internationally renowned. The leafy canopy will be enhanced.


Car parking and Servicing have been discreetly incorporated again minimising
physical and visual impact. Back of house, activities have been co-ordinated and
collection and containment of uses has been carefully planned to minimise impact. A
through site link on the western boundary creates an opportunity for significant deep
root planting and could allow for public connectivity to the beach.


Each of the 3 building pod forms are characterised by uniqueness in spatial
individuality and articulated facades. The lower level residences have direct access
to the podium, middle levels with extensive operable screened balconies and upper
level with spacious vaulted ceilings culminating in vaulted roof scapes.


Britt Andresen architectural educator and practitioner has defined some of the
quintessential features of Queensland’s architectural vernacular in her paper
“Architecture experience and transformation”. . Although the scale of this
development departs from the “Little House” referred to the integral features can all
be found, embodied in this proposal. (Excerpts from Place Makers Contemporary
QLD Architects)


Veranda, “with over hangs, the transitional status between outside and interior. “
Large balcony areas have been planned that address the beach front and present
wonderful opportunities for the visitor to engage with our subtropical climate. The
balcony has an obvious parallel wit the traditional veranda and even wraps slightly
around the sides of the building to enhance the shading component on external
walls. Access to the entry door of each dwelling is also by way of a semi enclosed


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zone reminiscent of entry porch. Smaller balconies are allowed to penetrate the
screened elements to assist in the controlling of cross ventilation. These elements
also assist in redefining the edge of the built form.


Roof, although not timber and tin, still “a formal geometric concoction offering relief
“from solar radiation. The roof forms can also find historical reference in the sprung
curves of corrugated iron used for the most humble of shed and few remaining old
river boat Jetty houses of Noosaville. Noosa was host to period of Architecture
throughout the 80,s, where curved roof forms of Gabriel Poole and John Mainwaring
were de rigor. “The Hastings” bungalow style units were widely acclaimed for their
economy and integrity at the time and have survived as a great example of this era.


The curved roof forms are derived from various contextual references sourced from
the surrounding environment, combined with the vertical screen elements are ideal
building components that both incorporate the proposal into the existing context and
define a sub tropical architectural expression relevant to Noosa.


Screens attending openings aligned to catch breezes, and cool the interior by
reducing the build up of heat and humidity.
The sub tropical environment of Noosa is ideal for building types that are well shaded
and allow for breezeways. Various screen devices have been implemented to both
shade the building and protect neighbours from overlooking. Extensive use of
screens and shading devices combined with technological advances in laminated
eco glazing systems should also reduce
1. The dependence on air-conditioning systems,
2. Energy consumption and therefore, green house gas reduction and operating
costs.
Under croft, on stilts - raised to distance the secure living platform from the dangers
of the ground”. In this case the public domain and the retail use below can be
construed as the undercroft, shaded by the landscaped podium above, and
concealing the car, necessary storerooms and the ancillary mixed uses of retail and
residential.


Sustainability
The designers have sought to incorporate passive and active design for climate, and
exhaustive feasibility studies are underway to quantify embodied energy and life
cycle costing's, as a part of demonstrating sustainability. The designers are


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interested in the ability of a development to provide a comfortable and healthy
lifestyle whilst demonstrating consumption of fewer resources over time. For
example.
       Hydraulics consultants have prepared reports that cover Stormwater
        management, collection and retention systems. Stored water will be available
        for onsite ancillary uses where currents codes allow. ( It is hoped that in
        some cases the current codes do not constrain, some of the sustainable
        options being considered)
       Hot water, heating systems are being option evaluated, and final
        assessments will weigh up the carbon embedded in the heating and
        reticulation of hot water, as well as minimising any chance of water wastage.
        Early indications are that Heat pumps in strategic locations will be more
        effective than one central plant. The Da reflects this initial outcome.
       Shade structures that have been indicated are likely to be covered with a
        new product that has photovoltaic cell structure and discussions are
        underway, to determine a return to the grid and or other benefits.
       As a part of the construction process it is anticipated that, vegetation will be
        removed, it is understood that the finished scheme will undertake exhaustive
        landscaping and make full restitution to the landscape environment.
       Design actively engages the key passive design tools available, and
        promotes opportunities for cross ventilation.




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