Element Apartments

This apartment development in Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick, provided a new ‘face’ to this commercial and residential environment when it was completed in 2015.

Designed by Plus Architecture and located on a prominent corner site, the ten storey tower forms a beacon in the neighbourhood through its strong form and use of natural materials.

The development features 83 apartments and retail space on the ground floor.

It was the first development of its kind for the Glen Eira region, being the first project delivered locally under the government’s new neighbourhood zoning regulations, and the first building in the city of Glen Eira to be over five storeys.

The corner site offers a confluence of major scenic vistas and local infrastructure, responding to the local immediate need for a scalable and vibrant multi-residential development that is respectfully set against the small existing built forms of the surrounding neighbourhood.

In order to tackle the challenge of delivering a high-density design in a typically low-density area, Plus Architecture took the unique approach of using the three storey walk-up model as inspiration, essentially placing three individual forms on top of each other thus reducing the size of the building to a more relatable scale.

Each of the sky terraces that make up the tower are designed to twist in plan opposite to the preceding sky terrace below.

This movement is achieved by cantilevering balconies of different distances, yet keeping the façade and internal amenities essentially the same throughout.

The result is a distinct shifting of each of the sky terraces against the others in plan and silhouette which can be appreciated from both far away and up close.

The design scheme uses a palette of natural materials to create a contemporary architectural language of clean lines and strong forms.

The result is an articulation of forms and selection of materials that promotes a vision of a vibrant and active residential and retail future for the immediate precinct.

The building is thus united by a set of rules and similar treatments which produce differing outcomes that engage thoughtfully with both the immediate and distant surroundings.

Overall the building is split into ‘podium’ and ‘tower’.

Sky terraces on the upper levels are clearly articulated in the façade and the apartments on the lower levels punctuate the striking façade with rippled concrete.

A lightness is achieved in the building’s upper levels through these sky terraces which broaden the building to encapsulate the scenic views experienced from the main road.

The façade design achieves a certain scale and careful rhythm with its clean lines and strong forms.

A fine moulded concrete grain patterned façade is experienced on the pedestrian level which is set against the battened walls and ceilings in the foyers that greet residents and guests.

The rhythm continues as the podium engaged with the neighbourhood at a human scale along the street-level.

The retail-only space at the base provides and ensures the continuous provision of amenity for residents in the community.

The ground floor apartments are raised one metre from the footpath so, when combined with the balustrade and glazing treatments, the apartment residents can appreciate the same level of privacy as all other apartments.

Project Details

Project Size – 1,148 m2
Completion Date – 2015
Building Levels – 10

Project Team

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.

www.plusarchitecture.com.au

Photography

Jaime Diaz-Berrio

Melbourne-based photographer Jaime Diaz-Berrio trained in Architecture and has worked in Mexico and Australia designing residential, commercial and industrial spaces.

www.jaimediazberrio.com