Cox Architecture designed the Tempus Turner Townhouses.
The project represents the introduction of a terrace typology to the Canberra housing market akin to iconic terrace housing in major cities like London and New York.
The philosophy underpinning the Cox design team, led by Chris Millman, was to create a single cohesive form, opposed to a collection of individual dwellings.
Each part of the façade design is linked, creating cohesiveness through consistent proportionality and materiality.
The façades are purposefully understated, without ornamentation, or decorative features.
Instead, they are classically proportioned and feature enduring materials such as face-brick and copper cladding.
These dwellings are light-filled, cross-ventilated, and have a generosity of space and amenity throughout.
With a more sustainable approach to transport, and a desire to emphasize work/life balance for Canberrans, the option to walk, cycle, and use public transport is ideal.
The project is sited in an established inner-city suburb with local shops, cafes, and businesses all in walking distance.
The newly developed Canberra tramline has several stops local conveniently to residents, with wider transport links to the CBD and beyond available.
The intention for Tempus is for the buildings to age gracefully, with their copper exteriors evolving to a more muted tone and settling into the surrounding natural environment.
They are designed to set a new benchtop for housing in the ACT, where all the benefits of proximity to the CBD are balanced with a leafy suburban atmosphere.
Existing mature trees and boundary hedges have been retained on-site, contributing to views of the established natural setting.
As an expansive corner development, Tempus is an important entry point into the suburb of Turner.
When entering the suburb from MacArthur Avenue, the third story of the building becomes visible.
Capped in copper sheeting, the structure bends around to face both David and Forbes streets – making it a recognizable landmark for the area and a unique typology for terraced housing.
The terraces that comprise this bend consist of a flat ground floor and four additional split levels working their way up around a central void and staircase.
The staircase is topped with a skylight that washes down the entire terrace from rooftop to ground floor.
The apartments incorporate a cross-flow design for natural ventilation and high ceilings with expansive windows creating a light airy feel.
Internally, the layouts and materiality are consistent with the timeless, understated approach to the design.
A light and a dark scheme offer a choice between bold or minimal styles for residents.
The bathrooms in each residence are highly functional, with family living in mind however the warmth and drama of the finishes create a hint of luxury.
Project Details
Completion – 2021
Cost – $12.5m
Gross Floor Area – 2,800m2
Project Team
Client
Bond Projects
Founded and directed by Bill O’Neill, BOND Projects is a Canberra-based Property Development Company specializing in boutique residential developments.
Architecture
Cox Architecture
COX is a design-focused contemporary architectural practice with studios located in every major Australian city and a history spanning 60 years.
The key to their ethos is supporting the public life of our cities. Cox does this by ensuring each project makes positive contributions to its public realm – giving more than it takes.
Photography
Roderigo Vargas
Roderigo is a Brisbane-based commercial photographer specialising in architecture, interiors, and drone photography.
Photo Gallery
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Design © 2022 Cox Architecture. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2022 Roderigo Vargas. All Rights Reserved.
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