ARC / Koichi Takada Architects

ARC / Koichi Takada Architects

ARC / Koichi Takada Architects - Windows, FacadeARC / Koichi Takada Architects - Windows, Cityscape, FacadeARC / Koichi Takada Architects - FacadeARC / Koichi Takada Architects - WindowsARC / Koichi Takada Architects - More Images+ 30

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ARC / Koichi Takada Architects - Windows, Cityscape, Facade
© Tom Ferguson Photography

Text description provided by the architects. The building combines old and new, a handcrafted brick podium, and an organic roof feature designed to add more character to the future of Sydney. The 26-story tower is a true mix of accommodation, containing 135 apartments, 86 ‘Skye Suites’ boutique hotel rooms, 8 retail and F&B outlets. Included in the design is a retail precinct below an 8-story high public through site link, reactivating the historic Skittle Lane.

ARC / Koichi Takada Architects - Windows, Facade
© Martin Siegner

The concept relates to the historical context of the site. We carefully studied the proportions of the arches and materiality used historically in Sydney. The design has a heavy masonry character at the base, whereas the tower above has finer, lighter materiality. Despite our expectations, we have been overwhelmed with positive messages about the use of traditional brickwork. People have responded to the warmth and use of traditional methods being brought back to a modern city center where most buildings are glass and metal.

ARC / Koichi Takada Architects - Windows, Brick, Facade, Arch, Arcade
© Martin Siegner

Inspired by the masonry component in the significant heritage buildings next door; The Red Cross Building and Andrew Bros Warehouse, and drawing from their characteristic arches, a duality is introduced to the façade and represented by the varied aesthetics of the podium and tower. Informed by the curvilinear nature of Sydney Harbour and the brickwork in neighboring buildings, the materials and details have a level of intricacy and authenticity that relates strongly to Sydney’s past. The majority of the city has flat-topped buildings everywhere. Arc explores an opportunity to open up the rooftop. We designed to celebrate the great outdoor lifestyle that Sydney is famous for, and the first high-rise residential design to break the mold.

ARC / Koichi Takada Architects - Lighting, Windows, Beam, Facade
© Tom Ferguson Photography
ARC / Koichi Takada Architects - Image 34 of 35
Rooftop Arch Detail (w/Text)
ARC / Koichi Takada Architects - Lighting, Beam, Arch
© Tom Ferguson Photography

We convinced the city and our clients that there is more value in using the roof for public amenities instead of private apartments – imagine a city where people can escape to the rooftop, where the architecture facilitates social interaction and the reimagining of the urban environment. An organic crown feature instantly distinguishes Arc from the surrounding context, a curved roof form that celebrates how the tower meets the sky.

ARC / Koichi Takada Architects - Deck, Beam
© Tom Ferguson Photography

The rooftop opens up a new dialogue with what is possible in our future cities activating not only the ground plane but also the sky-plane. When you come up to the Arc rooftop, you can see the Sydney Harbour as a backdrop to the city view. The curved roof arches connect you with the organic and undulating lines of Sydney Harbour and its best natural assets.

ARC / Koichi Takada Architects - Facade
© Martin Siegner

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Project location

Address:161 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "ARC / Koichi Takada Architects" 14 Jun 2021. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/910778/arc-koichi-takada-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

© Tom Ferguson Photography

弧形高层公寓 / 高田浩一建筑事务所

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