The design of Spectrum by Stanisic Associates excels
in its consideration and application of ecological
sustainable development. The building implements best
practice passive architecture and has considered a wide
range of ESD issues.

The building concept and detailed design is focused
on demand minimisation to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions caused by the development and the
dependency on water resources. Operable sun control
and shading has been provided where required. Natural
ventilation systems have been incorporated into all
apartments, with 95% dual aspect. As a result no air
conditioning is installed in the apartments. Natural gas
hot water and low energy lighting reduces greenhouse
gas emissions. Indoor environment quality has been
considered and apartments are designed to allow all
occupants good access to fresh air.

Water minimisation strategies have been employed. AAA
rated fittings and dual flush toilets as standard, as well
as rainwater reuse for irrigation, have been introduced
to reduce the development’s demand on mains water.
Stormwater control measures include the use of bio-
filtration gardens both in the private and communal
courtyard areas to reduce the impact of stormwater
directly entering the stormwater drain.

Material selection has been carefully reviewed and
includes initiatives such as sustainable sourced timber
and low embodied concrete structural walling system.
Waste management and recycling strategies are ahead
of standard practice.

The proximity of Spectrum to public transport, both rail
and buses, restricted on-site parking and bicycle storage
encourage commuters to use alternative transport
which should also indirectly reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.

Social sustainability has been supported through a
diversity of 1, 2 and 3 bed apartment and terrace types.
Economic sustainability has been supported through
reasonable priced apartments between $450,000 to
$600,000.

Spectrum is road architecture, with the south elevation
of the main building facing onto a future six lane arterial
and the north elevation to a sun-filled raised communal
courtyard. Spectrum is an example of climatically
responsive modernism or ‘Eco-Minimalism’ - white, light,
permeable, shaded, sunny, green, abstract, box-like.
The site consists of irregular shaped land resumed by
the RTA in the 70s for its grand freeway extension plan
through Alexandria and Erskineville, connecting eastern
and inner-west suburbs. The design strategy is urban
repair and open space definition.

The design concept for Spectrum consists of perimeter
building forms that define a variety of open spaces:
a central, triangular-shaped, communal courtyard; a
wedged-shaped, publicly accessible park; and existing
public streets McEvoy and Lawrence Streets. Open
space and building form are arranged to produce a
complementary framework of occupation. The pattern
of perimeter buildings and internal courtyard and atriums
can be extended as a concept for the redevelopment of
the adjoining industrial lands to south and north of the
site.

The 3 to 6 storey buildings are organised around a raised
communal courtyard with an emphasis on diversity
of open space and apartment types. Dwelling types
comprise single level apartments, 2 and 3 storey gallery
apartments, 3 storey courtyard terraces and 3 storey
atrium terraces. SOHO apartments along the lower
level of McEvoy Street are live/ work arrangements.
Courtyards in the atrium terraces on Lawrence Street
bring light into centre of the living areas. Buildings are
orientated to the north for solar access, cross ventilation
and protection from traffic noise. The main building is
designed as a noise barrier building that anticipates the
future RTA widening of McEvoy Street from a four to six
lane arterial.

The predominant external expression of streamlined,
white walls and glass curtain reflects the industrial
character of the area. The main building presents as
a ‘curtain wall’ with gallery circulation to McEvoy Street
and an ‘environmental crate’ or ’ brise-soleil’ with living
areas to the northern courtyard. Adjustable, aluminium
louvre screens are used for privacy to bedrooms of the
courtyard apartments and fixed, horizontal aluminium
screens for sun shading of the courtyard terraces and
atrium terraces on Lawrence Street.

Project Credits:
Architect: Stanisic Associates
Design Director: Frank Stanisic
Project Team: Damien Madell, Adam Russell, Ben Giles
Landscape Architect: McGregor Partners
Hydraulics Engineer: DP Consulting
Electrical Engineer: Jim Hatz + Associates
Energy Assessment: Vipac Engineers and Scientists Ltd
Acoustic Engineer: Acoustic Logic Consultancy Pty Ltd
Client: Arkbay Investments Pty Ltd
Builder: Newtown Developments Pty Ltd

Contact:

P: 61 2 9299 7871, F: 61 2 9299 7872
E: info@stanisic.com.au
W: http://www.stanisic.com.au