Alexandra Maree Stamatelatos

Connecting Carlton is a project that argues for the restoration and refurbishment of the commission towers on the corner of Elgin and Nicholson Street rather than their demolition, as part of the Victorian Government’s Public Housing Renewal Program. Therefore, this project contains interventions throughout the site that can be implemented in small, feasible stages which allows the tenants to stay within their homes. These interventions subsequently improves the quality of their homes and gives them ownership and care towards semi-public facilities that connects them to their community.

Axonometric of Site

The axonometric drawing of the site explores the geometry of the wraparound balcony and the overall façade as well as the changes to the landscape around the buildings. The balconies feature various extrusions that allows for light to come in various spaces and increase the space for each tenant. The upgrades to the landscape allows for greater accessible areas for the tenants and their children to use.

Site and Ground Plans

The site plan outlines the different terrain and landscape of the site. With the increase of greenery, there are more spaces for people to enjoy and relax, especially during warmer weather. It also allows parents and their children to play in a space that feels enclosed and safe to them. Furthermore, the ground plans can be seen in context of the site.

Ground Plans

The ground plans outline the new interventions being implemented. Furthermore, the ground floor plans contain two apartments for each building, as per the original design, as well as new functions for the tenants and the public. These include a café and market within the building located on Elgin Street, and a GP clinic and a street library within Nicholson Street.

Typical Floor Plans

The typical floor plans show the changes that have been made from the original designs. The red signifies the new additions and the black represents the architecture of the initial building that is being kept. It is noted that any load bearing structures were kept in order for these improvements to be made without needing to evict the tenants.

Exploded Axonometric of Rooftop Garden

The exploded axonometric shows the design of the rooftop garden, highlighting the seating and the open space that is designed. This gives the tenants a private area where they can relax in their own space as well as have ownership over the area. This is further implemented by the garden beds, which allow tenants to contribute to a community garden for the building.

Perspective Section of the Elgin Street Apartments and Café

This perspective sections shows the design of the living room and the kitchen after the stud wall was removed. Additionally, it also informs the viewer on how the wrap around balcony will be utilised. This section also shows the relationship between the café and the outside seating area. This refurbished landscape is used in various ways for the public to enjoy a space to relax and socialise.

Explore more

View all