Arc

Koichi Takada Architects
1. Februar 2019
Photo: Tom Ferguson
Project: Arc by Crown Group, 2018
Client: Crown Group
Location: 161-165 Clarence Street & 304 Kent Street, Sydney, Australia
Architecture and Interior Design: Koichi Takada Architects
Consulting: Van Der Meer Consulting
Builder: Hutchinson Builders
Façade Engineer: Inhabit / Surface Design
Masonry Façade Engineer: AECOM
Masonry Subcontractor: Favetti
Site Area: 1,447 m2
Photo: Tom Ferguson

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. 

Photo: 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 a finer, lighter materiality. Despite our expectation, 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 centre where most buildings are glass and metal.

Photo: 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. 

Photo: Martin Siegner

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 mould. 

Photo: Tom Ferguson

We convinced the city and our clients that there is more value in using the roof for public amenity 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. 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. 

Photo: Martin Siegner

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.

Photo: Tom Ferguson
Photo: Tom Ferguson
Photo: Tom Ferguson
Drawing: Koichi Takada Architects
Drawing: Koichi Takada Architects
Drawing: Koichi Takada Architects

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