Polaris

Polaris, like a guiding star, provides a new benchmark in multi-residential housing – an elegant building form that achieves maximum sunlight for each apartment without overshadowing neighbours. By reverse engineering the hours of required sunlight to neighbouring properties, we used the arc of the sun’s rays to define the crystalline form of the building envelope. The design reflects AJ+C's approach to create buildings that are creative, sustainable and innovative in artistic, conceptual, technical and economic terms. The location of the building, amongst glazed commercial towers and in a prominent location at the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Berry Street gave rise to the commercial appearance of glazed curtain walls and window walls which conceal an attractive internal residential environment. The wintergardens along the Pacific Highway will also be effective in improving the acoustic privacy from traffic noise. With the increasing use of computers and the internet, studies or media spaces within apartments continue to rise in importance. A large percentage of apartments have dedicated study rooms, and many other apartments have small media desks within other rooms. The public domain is enhanced by the development of Doohat Lane, connecting Berry street to Doohat Street. A new activated laneway provides amenity for both the public and residents. All units include at least 50% of required storage area within the apartments. Those that require more storage have dedicated storage cages provided in the basement. At least 284 bicycle spaces are provided as required under the DCP. These have been provided through a mixture of rails in lockup cages, individual storage cages and open bike rails in the basements. The area has a young population, with a higher density than most other parts of Sydney. The North Sydney commercial area consists largely of mid and high rise commercial and residential buildings. Several large mixed-use buildings are currently in the process of being developed nearby. The proposed development has been designed to sit comfortably in both the existing and future urban fabric, drawing on the vibrancy that will occur from an injection of people living and working together. The largely glazed façade has a materiality, scale and proportion that complements the streetscape. The lower podiums / street walls make a strong gesture to the adjacent buildings. The mixed residential and commercial uses of the building will contribute to the vitality of the North Sydney commercial centre. Polaris employs multiple sustainability initiatives including the achievement of a BASIX water target of 40% and an energy-reducing target of 20%. In addition, fixtures and fittings achieve a WELS rating of 4 stars, while shower fitting achieves a 3-star rating. The development achieves the BASIX requirements for thermal comfort and compliance with Section J. Polaris achieves a compliance of 66% (153 of 232 apartments) of direct solar access for a minimum of two hours daily. Corner apartments and penthouse units comply with cross-ventilation needs.