Astor is a 4-storey apartment complex located on the outskirts of North Sydney in the Crows Nest. The design contains 50 units. The surrounding area is an exclusive leafy suburb so the design must reach the highest standard of quality and finish. The site is situated on a busy main road and faces all sides, so the architect designed a ‘U-shaped’ scheme to overlook a serene central landscaped courtyard that leads north for sunbathing. All units are accessed from this courtyard via screened outdoor walkways. So the design blends the landscape area with the internal apartment space.
The 4 storey design combines vertical expression and breaks the mass into 2 floor sections; Therefore, it reflects the character of the terrace house in the area.
‘We have used a limited pallete of off-form concrete and bronze metal panels. This gives a refined, natural, organic and contemporary impression to the building and merges with the surrounding landscaped environment.’
The architect create a custom designed origami metal screens. It made of a laser-cut folded aluminium. They provide sun shade and privacy from adjoining properties. They also filter out the paths bathed in soft light. The aluminum railing fence is also folded. This creates a distinctive and unique design. Stone and wood batten fences are included to add the warmth vibe of the earth.
The result is a progressive design of high quality that will enrich the area and become a benchmark for society.
