By Jeremy Leithead & Devang Mawjee
While the issue of rapid urbanization is pandemic globally, this proposal tests the possibilities of building above to promote sustainable population growth. The forecasted growth for Perth, Australia is expected to double within the next 50 years. The chosen site East Perth train station, is ideal for this project due to its proximity to the CBD, as well as accessibility to public transport and main arterial roads. The East Perth train station terminal, is currently in the spotlight due to its brutalist form. Brutalist architecture is currently at risk worldwide and there is an inherent attitude to demolish rather than preserve and adapt. Cities such as Perth highlight the societal sprawl that engages in unsustainable population growth. In researching the expanding population and the motives that drive this it is possible to see aspects other than land allocation that have contributed to urban sprawl. Further investigation into the the appeal of suburban living highlighted its ability to engage a sense of community, several key components contribute to this. We have highlighted these components as:
01_the street
02_the park
03_the corner store
04_the yard
05_the verandah
06_the shed
In exploring current high density housing we discovered that these elements were missing, contributing to the dismissal for inner city by the general populous. The addition of the suburban components into an inner citydevelopment makes this style of living more appealable and promotes sustainable longevity for the residents.The structure consists of self supporting modules based off of standard Kerto-s LVL dimensioning. These modules are repeated to create a base grid. The structural grid is a uniform 5.2x5.2m with usable spaces working to a tartan grid, creating void spaces in between modules. The module frame is constructed with 63x200mm Kerto-s LVL sandwiched to create self sustaining structural components. A panel system has been devised to fit within this frame, with these components being dimensioned at 1500x1200mm. This allows for easy customisation of the module to respond to both climate and user needs. The panel structure is made up from cnc routered Kerto-s LVL, which can be constructed quickly, easily and by unskilled labourers. The modular design allows for prefabricated facade and interior components.
The apartments are designed to accommodate students, singles, couples and families, along with mixed use elements to create a diverse community. Access to the apartments is offset from the front door to create a “driveway“ that acts as a buffer in-between public and private. The apartments, contain essential elements, in an efficient arrangement whilst affording space to accommodate the key suburban components. The division of the overall structure into blocks allows for natural light, and ventilation to access each apartment module. The use of green walls through out the main street filters out carbon emissions prevalent in major cities. The streets are constructed from a mesh to allow additional natural lighting to permeate through the multiple levels. Servicing for the modules runs within these internal streets, to a central service core.
