Inspired by Burwood’s legacy and future vision, Brickworks 5 and 6 unite crafted design, community living and civic presence
Rothelowman designed the final two residential buildings in Burwood Brickworks, a lifestyle precinct with a 6 Star Green Star Communities rating, making it one of the best designed and thoughtfully considered communities in the world. Embracing a generous eye for life, the buildings engage with their surroundings and provide spaces to foster an integrated community.
Mediating the Scale of the Site
Located on an elongated site, the modulation and expression of the buildings is designed to address both a row of townhouses and a large retail complex, creating residential architecture with a strong civic presence. The building’s primary scale sits comfortably with the shopping centre, while the scalloped curves, articulated terraces and ribbed balustrades evoke domesticity, echoing the vernacular of grand Victorian terraces.
Crafting the Architectural Expression
Built with precast concrete elements, the façade is strategically modulated with the minimum number of moulds to optimise the project’s commerciality, while imbuing it with a strong sense of craft. We worked closely with the precast manufacturer and builder to ensure the expression and detail of the architecture was delivered on budget and with a high-quality outcome. The architecture and interiors are holistic, with exterior details, such as the fluting, reinterpreted inside on a smaller scale.
Inviting Residents to Connect
The range of apartment typologies foster an integrated community, and a communal lounge next to the lobby encourages social interaction and neighbourliness. It’s a warm, inviting and generous space with a crafted material palette inspired by mid-century design and the larger Brickworks neighbourhood, reinforcing the precinct’s aspirations and sense of community.
