Conceived after considerable investigation into the dynamic movement that can be created by splitting a building into three angular forms, the Plus Architecture design of Belle Apartments sought to move away from the typical box like façade of most apartment blocks.
The nature and size of the apartments complement the enviable location – a stone’s throw from Box Hill railway station – by providing affordable and varied options to prospective buyers who wish to live in close proximity to the retail, commercial and transport hubs of the Box Hill region.
Belle Apartments offers 85 apartments, consisting of a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments varying in size from 45 to 75 sqm, located in Box Hill.
The articulation of the façade is influenced by the strong multi-cultural history of the surrounding area.
The opportunity to incorporate it into the building’s design was a means of reflecting the urban character of Box Hill.
The realization of the building footprint was driven by the consideration given to both the current built context adjacent to the site as well as the projected future development.
Along the northern part of the site, set backs were introduced to respect the current one storey residences adjacent whilst at the same time allowing for reciprocal future development on the site.
The proposed footprint was only maximized in instances which were considered less sensitive, for example, the southern boundary which abuts retail use and the eastern boundary which is nearby to the rear laneway and an existing car park.
The inclusion of differing patterns and colours for each articulated volume delineate the discrete nature of each volume and allow the development to present as a grouping of smaller scale volumes rather than one large building.
Plus Architecture focused on creating a warm, welcoming lobby with interlocking white bricks bringing out the clever use of red brickwork to distinguish building services. Gently curving surfaces and dramatic pendant lights help imbue the space with an intimate sense of arrival.
Project Details
Project Size – 5661 m2
Completion Date – 2016
Building Levels – 10
Project Team
Client
Little Projects
Little Projects is an international award-winning property development business focused on delivering innovative and high quality residential and commercial property solutions.
Little Projects has enjoyed successes in commercial, land subdivision and inner-city lifestyle developments. The company’s core competency lies in its ability to purchase inner-city commercial and industrial sites and redevelop them into outstanding residential communities.
Architecture
Plus Architecture
Founded in 1997, Plus is an award-winning, integrated master planning, architecture and interior design practice.
Through a thoughtful and professional approach, the Plus team’s capabilities deliver a wide range of project typologies and scales.
Construction
Hacer Group
Hacer Group has completed a wide range of projects for a number of leading Australian property developers, investment groups and private companies including Woolworths, Frasers Property, Fabcot, Cbus Property, Cedar Woods, Oliver Hume Properties, Federation Centres, Palace Cinemas, Coles, Walker Corporation, Ranfurlie Developments and Banco Group.
Photography
Rhiannon Slatter
Rhiannon is a Melbourne based fine art, architecture, and interiors photographer.
Photo Gallery
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Design © 2020 Plus Architecture. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2020 Rhiannon Slatter. All Rights Reserved.
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