UNSW Village 2009 Architectus

The UNSW Student Housing Project provides new self contained accommodation on a 1.8 ha site located along High St, Kensington and situated within the university campus.

Providing a total of 240 self contained units comprising over 1020 bedrooms, together with a range of common facilities, this proposal promotes the character of the campus and provides a considered balance between the busy, urban spaces for gathering and community connectivity, transition spaces and quiet, contemplative spaces more closely related to this residential precinct.

The proposal is sensitive to, and respects, the heritage significance of the Fig Tree Theatre, Old Tote Building and White House and courtyard space (Old Tote Courtyard).

The bulk of the building complex is placed within the ‘thin plan’ 8 storey wings that run north south. This configuration allows the density and bulk to be reduced towards the boundaries and to the main entry courtyards at the east and west end of the site.

Sustainability is at the core of the design. The principles and technologies employed  include cross ventilation and natural daylighting to all spaces, insulated walls and roofs, solar hot water, grey water reuse for laundries, orientation and sunshading, vented floor slabs, and rainwater storage.

University architecture is an opportunity to contribute something more than the obvious shelter/accommodation. Resonant design reinforces the principles of a comprehensive education – these are things that should remain with a student for life.

Awards

2010 RAIA (NSW) Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing Award
2010 RAIA National Commendation Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
2010 Randwick City Council Urban Design Awards – Sustainability + Multi-unit Housing Awards
2010 (MBA) NSW Integrated Housing Award
2010 UDIA (NSW) Austral Bricks Awards for Excellence – Sustainable Development Award

Client:               Campus Living
Location:           Kensington, NSW
Floor area:        32 000 m²
Original value:   $90m
Architectus           Lindsay+Kerry Clare (as Design Directors of Architectus 2000-2010)