863 High Street Armadale

Smith + Tracey was commissioned by Little Projects to undertake the design of this challenging mixed-use boutique project. Little Projects, a relatively new and ambitious development company, had purchased the site with a view to developing a landmark building at this high profile address.

The site presented the team with numerous challenges. It is set among a row of single and double storey terraces used as shopfronts for antique retail outlets on busy High Street, and it has a zoning boundary running across the site splitting it into part residential and part commercial zones. In addition to this the site also fronted New Street, a residential street lined with high-value period style housing.

The solution was a mixed development that achieved the greatest street appeal and yield at the site. On the High Street side are retail showrooms and A-grade commercial office space with three-level basement parking, and to the New Street interface there are luxury apartments.

This design solution establishes an exciting and engaging benchmark for a mixed-use facility.

The design philosophy presented an individual building aesthetic to each street face. The two storey rhythm and fine grain of the High Street terrace buildings are reinforced in the vertical segmentation of the office façades. The additional height of the building was presented as full-height glass then recessed from the streetscape alignment and setback to provide a quality of lightness and transparency. This captured the outlook towards both the city and the bay creating a high quality and inviting working environment.

Five star NABERS rating was achieved for the offices as well as a five star first rate outcome for the apartments. The sustainable solutions within the fit-out have provided a noticeable difference to the air quality and a fresh light environment which will contribute to the well-being of residents and staff using the office building.

Statistics:
Apartments – 8 total
Retail – 600 sqm at ground level
Office – 2200 sqm over 4 floors
Car Parks – 68