Esther Colleter

North elevation of The George Street Residences

The private and communal dwellings are positioned around the internal courtyard offering security through surveillance

The axonometric section highlights the communal spaces on the ground level positioned around an internal courtyard offering residents opportunities of connection with their surroundings and neighbours, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.

One of the strategies for the design are based on providing opportunities for the residents to choose between connecting and retreating from their neighbours. The site is planned in a village-like development where compact private dwellings are positioned on the ground and level 1. There are two private studios on the ground level and four on level one. Shared spaces include a communal kitchen, library, multipurpose/yoga space and remedial room (for visiting practitioners) are all located on ground level, while a roof top garden on level 1 is positioned on the northern side of the site. Access to level 1 is via lift or stairs.

Community connection is improved via activation of the laneway between George and Church Streets. Pedestrians and cyclists can been seen on the right side of this image utilising the activated laneway.

A sequence of diagrams shows the site analysis and function of the building including breezes, circulation, greenery connection, lane activation, private spaces, shared spaces, sun and orientation of views.