Monash University Student Housing, Clayton comprises 600 studios in two 5-storey buildings flanking a central courtyard. The project has been identified as the new benchmark for the National and State Government for Affordable Housing. Prior to opening in January 2012, all 600 studios had been filled.
DESIGN DESCRIPTION
The fundamental starting point for the project was creating a community whilst supporting the individual. As a result, the courtyard is set up to be the meeting point and entry to the building and refers to traditional university college accommodation where students can interact from their private spaces to the common.
The buildings are designed to enable residents to interact with each other in and across the courtyard. All shared spaces and the primary vertical circulation have been centrally located in each building to encourage interaction between students.
The large communal spaces are double storey in height and connect all levels volumetrically, representing a defining moment in the architectural composition. Each wing of the building has approximately 30 studio apartments each with a kitchenette, ensuite and living/sleeping space. The design of the studios was carefully considered due to their size of 20m2. A floor-to-ceiling window that covers about two thirds of the external wall was installed to create a feeling of spaciousness and light.
The site is located in the context of sporting fields, the manufactured landscape and a natural bush reserve. The simple palette of timber, concrete and black steel was selected to merge the building form with the surrounding landscape. The building scale is mitigated by pairing studios together to form a greater rhythm in the facade reading, giving the effect of fewer units and lower scaled building.
At the same time, the timber façade is angled within the concrete frame to provide both shading and a dynamic pattern of light and shade to modulate façades. The double storey height of the common spaces is wrapped in timber slats, providing views to the sports fields and bush reserve. The courtyard is open at each end, signifying a semi-public space without the need for physical barriers.
Sustainable design was a key consideration throughout. The landscape has been designed to reduce run-off through a selection of surface materials and appropriate planting. All roof rainwater is collected and stored in 3 x 50,000 litre tanks. Grey water from basins, showers and kitchen sinks is also collected, processed and reused for toilet flushing and irrigation.
Reduced energy consumption is achieved through the implementation of over 2,000 sqm of solar roof panelling, with the associated reflectivity reducing thermal impact. This is one of the largest residential solar installations in the Southern Hemisphere. The use of double glazing, trickle intake ventilation, thermal chimneys and operable facades ensure natural ventilation throughout, eliminating the need for mechanical heating and cooling to the entire development. All heating is through gas boosted radiant water heated panels.
As the funding was linked to occupation date, the project was delivered under a Design and Construct Procurement method with a very fast program of 15 months from engagement to completion. A full team of consultants worked together to deliver the project and resolve design issues in collaboration with the contractor. Full scale studio prototypes and façade prototypes were constructed as part of the design development process and to assist with client sign off. Despite this challenging environment the outcome has not been compromised and demonstrates excellent value for money for the University, as well as great amenity for the residents.
ACCOLADES
RAIA The Frederick Romberg Award for Residential Housing - Multiple Housing 2012
RIBA International Award 2012
IDEA Award for Multi Residential 2012
PRODUCTS
SHIP LAP TIMBER CLADDING
NULLARBOR SUSTAINABLE TIMBER, SPOTTED GUM SHIP LAP 120 X 20MM
TIMBER BATTENS
NULLARBOR SUSTAINABLE TIMBER, SPOTTED GUM BATTENS 68 X 42MM
PRECAST CONCRETE
CONCRETE PRECAST SYSTEMS PANELS VARIOUS SIZES
WALL LIGHT (STUDIO APARTMENTS)
LIGHTING PARTNERS AUSTRALIA, U-TURN WALL LIGHT
BATHROOM LIGHT (STUDIO APARTMENTS)
LIGHTING PARTNERS AUSTRALIA, MINILUCE
CARPET TILE (STUDIO APARTMENTS)
INTERFACEFLOR AUSTRALIA, CONTINUUM CUSHIONBAC CARPET TILE, CORAL, RED, MULBERRY, ELECTRIC, MOSS
CARPET TILE (CORRIDORS)
INTERFACEFLOR AUSTRALIA, CONTINUUM GLASBAC CARPET TILE CORAL, RED, MULBERRY, ELECTRIC, MOSS, STEEL
WET AREA VINYL
GERFLOR, TARASAFE 7801 NOIR POLISHED CONCRETE
WALL PAINT
DULUX, VIVID WHITE
WALL PANELS
LAMINEX, FSC
TIMBER VENEER
AMERICAN WHITE OAK, CLASSIC SERIES 1/4 CUT
