Grace House

Commercial/ Heritage

Description

Built in 1914 for warehousing goods for members of the Grace family, Grace House is a rare example of one of the earliest skyscrapers of central Sydney. The project aims to refurbish the existing 10 floors and add 4 new ones (added by Tzannes) into a leasable floor space while retaining and showcasing its historic identity.

Concept

Bringing Tzannes’ architectural identity into the interiors of this high rise wonder, the space boasts of a rich architectural identity. Featuring a bold display of its existing mammoth skeletal timber structure, brick walls, pressed metal ceilings and heritage elements in combination with new black reverse steel angles, full height timber panels and a hint of copper, the space glows with expression and finesse.

Levels 1-7

Levels 8-11

Terrey Hills Residence

Residential Description

A complete renovation of the interior and the exterior of an existing residential property in Sydney’s northern suburbs.

Concept

The addition of 2 new bedrooms and a garage to accommodate the needs of a growing family served as an opportunity to rethink how the space available could be utilized better; in response to the site, the neighbourhood and the environment. This led to a considerably grand redesign of the facade, the front and back yard and the overall layout of the residential structure.

Japanese Precinct Hospitality/ Heritage Description

An entire heritage site repurposed to house a one of its kind Japanese precinct with 6 different offerings. These include a patisserie, a whiskey bar, fine dining, Omakase, a Kaiseki and Robata grill.

Concept

The site consists of a front building that houses most of these offerings over 3 floors. It is split into two by a cartway running along the middle which then leads to the rear building that houses the whiskey bar. The two buildings are divided by a central courtyard which serves as an open event/ activation space along with being an extension to the whiskey bar after hours. The design is very eclectic in the sense that it celebrates the site’s majestic brick arches, its beautiful cartway and its heritage timber beams and trusses while adding to it a distinctly authentic Japanese overlay. The careful blend of history and culture from two parts of the world creates a space so unique in character that it feels almost utopic.

Development Application

Columbarium in Riga, Latvia

Public/ Conceptual Description

The Columbarium, designed as an ode to the memories of our loved ones, is a thoughtful amalgamation of nature, poetry and architecture. Housing upto 2000 urns, the form is driven by the idea of taking visitors through a heartfelt journey. As the visitor transcends along the building, the architecture starts to tell a story, gently allowing them to feel and to reflect.

Concept

A unidirectional circular path is introduced to ensure that the visitors transition through the space sequentially. The curvature of the form compliments this concept as the journey from entry to exit is seamless and continuous. The use of a ramp introduces levels within the form which carefully allows the heightening of sentiments in specific zones, all while promoting accessibility. The building facade is defined by perforated brickwork punctuated by concrete columns with a subtle tapering twist which softens the rigidity of the mass of the concrete. The columns mark a clear division between each chamber and create in the minds of visitors a sense of nostalgia when they approach the niches, the design language of which is strikingly similar. They also display a forbearing relationship with the bird-shaped roof and awnings. The dip of this bird shaped roof connects with the spiraling channel descending down the ramp and flowing into the pond. Through rainwater collection, it strengthens the concept of the circle of nature. The design intent is to grant the space with a feeling of gravitas for visitors to feel intimate, comfortable and homely. A place that they want to visit, not avoid. A place of remembrance and the sharing of life’s joys and sorrows, not treating death as a taboo. A place to commune with nature and recharge, not feel isolated and dreary.

Resting in the lap of nature, the structure comprises of two ovals that come together to cradle the architecture within. The shape, through its gentle curves, also facilitates ease of access throughout the building taking its visitors on a solemn journey.

The entrance is an unobtrusive, low-profile ramp steadily leading to the foyer that marks the start of the journey. Entering into this semiisolated, monolithic volume allows the visitors to engage in an intimate conversation with the space, mediating between the forest context and the Columbarium site. On entrance to the Foyer, the visitor is greeted by a feature wall adorned by widely gapped perforated bricks that allows charming light to pour in with apertured views of the forest outside. This wall then gently splits into 2 openings on either side directing visitors down the ramps to reach their respective chambers.

As they make their way down, visitors would experience a contrast of light and openness horizontally; with the chambers on one side, and unobstructed views of the garden below on the other. The curved roofs of these rooms connect with the awnings of the Ramp to form envelopes inspired by the thought of birds perched on a tree branch.

On entering the Chamber, a lightly curved brick wall once again greets the visitor, only this time the perforations are more denseallowing a divine, almost godlike glow to pour into the whole space, creating a less distracting and more reflective atmosphere. A thin frame around the brick wall provides this heavenly glow effect. Recessed lighting is installed behind the thin framed wall to ensure the glow is not compromised in low light scenarios.

The envelope then sweeps along the oval to reach the Garden below, creating a sequence of rooms that gradually step down.

On transcending to the garden, visitors are welcomed by a central pine tree surrounded by a tranquil fish pond. The mood here is intended to be calm and light, encouraging momentary rest - a final stop on their journey before exiting the site.

Toga Central

Heritage/ Commercial

Description

The challenge is to weave a combination of functions together in a manner that provides independence to each and capitalises on their synergies. Formally the development has two parts, a tower and a heritage building. The functions of the tower are woven together so that they are discernible yet form a cohesive whole.

Concept

The hotel is in the base of the tower and is distinguished by shorter floor to floor heights with Juliette balconies in the facade. The office floors are above with increased floor to floor heights. Between the hotel and office floors are floors for the hotel amenities and plant. These taller floors create a transition between the functions.

The Parcels Post Office contains food & beverage on the lower levels and basement, with four floors of co-working offices above that, followed by two levels of business centre. The upper level of the Business Centre is in a new rooftop floor that interprets the original roof.

Retail levels are below street level and connected to the Lee Street tunnel.

Hotel Voco

Hospitality Description

Located just adjacent to Hotel Indigo and owned by the same hotel group, Voco offers a more business and lifestyle centric experience. It consists of 194 guest rooms and support facilities that include banquet halls, function halls and restaurants.

Concept

A clean warm toned setting with vibrant bursts of colour gives Voco its distinct identity. The use of bold patterns and motifs provides the hotel with its playful character which all together, work brilliantly in achieving the charm that the brand is widely known for.

Hotel Indigo Hospitality

Description

A unique luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Brisbane City designed with its own quirk and character. The idea is to ‘allow the guest to explore’. It consists of 212 rooms with 19 unique layouts. The scope also includes the design of its 2 restaurants and its cafe-bar.

Concept

Following a ‘neighbourhood’ story, the hotel invites its visitors, sparking their curiosity; to wander into the mysterious and explore what’s beyond. Through carefully curated art pieces, thoughtful design interventions and intriguing themed zones, the space succeeds in telling a coherent story, giving its guests something unique to experience through their stay.