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As urban density increases to cater for a growing and changing population, Knox City Council is committed to working with the community and industry on improving design and development outcomes in the municipality. The inaugural Knox Design and Development Excellence Awards 2019, celebrate excellence in the design and development of the built environment in the City of Knox.
This project exemplifies a sensitive site planning, architectural and landscape response on a sloping corner site at the threshold of the Bayswater Activity Centre. The rhythmic arrangement of townhouses fronting both Railway Parade and James Street, successfully turns the corner and ‘artfully’ steps uphill with a varying portrayal of solid face brick to its base, timber panelling at upper levels, with a bold bronze corner element that demarcates the site’s exposed corner. The success of this design lies in its overt ‘outward facing’ response to streetscape behind a lush native landscape edge and its careful concealment of garages and related infrastructure behind. This project represents a fine model of ‘gentle consolidation‘ in the form of integrated townhouse development, consistent with the Knox Local Living ambitions and the discrete character of the suburban Bayswater at the Activity Centre threshold.
This project demonstrates a thoughtful and distinctive approach to redevelopment of amalgamated residential land at the edge of the Mountain Gate Shopping Precinct. The project presents 7 double storey dwellings to Adele Avenue, with a diagonally aligned driveway leading to a well-appointed internal mews (with completely concealed garage access) and a suite of further north facing dwellings addressing the rear boundary. The contemporary expression of the dwelling design, its neat presentation and the particularly inventive site planning response represents a model that corresponds well to the Knox local living context and is worthy of commendation.
The integration of contemporary apartment development in Knox’s Activity Centres demand a careful balancing of competing character and amenity obligations. This project, positioned on the busy Dorset Road close to the heart of Boronia and opposite Boronia Park has devised a creative response to Knox context that is entirely fitting. The architect has designed an 'approachable’ form comprising a rhythmic arrangement of floating geometric (solid and transparent) elements with strong outlook and presentation to the western face (and parkland). The site design is complemented with a grand site setback to frontage with discrete parking entry, but signals that this form is a strong contributor to the roadside landscape and the Dorset Road junction. It is worthy of commendation.
The Knoxia apartments on Burwood Highway opposite Knox Central is a landmark development within the Knox Central Activity Centre. The 6 storey form is a highly articulated corner element and substantial activation at ground level and above, addresses its Highway frontage and successfully tapers down to the residential surrounds. The composition of the building has been carefully arranged, a balance of horizontal and vertical facade effects and a turning the corner to the north, west and south – so that its appearance is understood 'in the round’. The project site plan in particular, including its internal court space and outlying transitional double storey townhouses are particularly pleasing and represent a successful response to the residential context beyond. The form is one which is bespoke to the site and its strategic position within the Knox Central Activity area. It is worthy of commendation.
The evolution of the Caribbean Gardens through a durable masterplan process over more than a decade has progressively unlocked its undeveloped western flank, now accessible from East Link. The subsequent realization of a major business and employment node forming part of the Stage 2 redevelopment represents a significant and sophisticated step in brownfield urban renewal and a model for integrated development with a sustainability focus. This beautifully executed project comprising freestanding mid-rise office buildings oriented around a high amenity open space spine and a communal/café ‘pavilion’ says much about the 21st century calling for ‘work – life – amenity’ balance. To its credit, the project creates a unique and attractive identity of its own and demonstrates excellent integration between internal and external spaces within the site, and beyond its boundary through the absorption of significant level changes through creative landscape effects. The projects focus on sustainable infrastructure and design (passive and active) stands out as a highlight in this category and is deserving of the highest accolade.
The new Sunflower pavilion at the Tim Neville Arboretum is a particularly striking addition to an established Municipal Park and a welcome contemporary interpretation of the traditional 19th Century garden folly. Constructed of Corten steel with tapered columns and inspired by the natural form of a sunflower ‘seed head’, this well-crafted structure successfully frames views across the Lake and Garden and projects beautiful dappled light and shade on the pavement and seating below. This contemporary insertion blends successfully into the view shed the Arboretum. The total landscape experience of the setting is one of delight and worthy of commendation in this category.