Arkadia

Alexandria, NSW

  • Year

    2019

  • Status

    Built

  • Client

    Defence Housing Australia

  • Location

    Alexandria, NSW

  • Collaborators

    Breathe Architecture

  • Scale

    5,590㎡

  • Dwellings

    152

  • Sector

    Multi-Residential

  • Discipline

    Architecture, Interiors

  • Photography

    Tom Ross

  • UDIA NSW

    Award for Social Impact (Shortlist)

  • ArchitectureAU

    Apartments - Mid-Rise (Award)

  • UDIA NSW

    Award for Social Impact (Shortlist)

  • ArchitectureAU

    Apartments - Mid-Rise (Award)

  • ArchitectureAU

    Award for Social Impact (Shortlist); Longer Award Name that runs over two lines

Heralded as one of the largest recycled brick building in Australia, the Arkadia development for Defence Housing Australia (DHA) occupies a 5,590m² site in the growing inner-city suburb of Alexandria, NSW. The development has been carefully integrated into the surrounding streets in a way that enhances the neighbourhood while offering a compelling model for urban living.
Acknowledging the historic narrative and heritage of this site was the starting point for the design team that comprised, DKO, Breathe and landscape architects, Oculus.

We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the land upon which Arkadia stands. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.

A sculpture – ‘Natux ex igne (Born from fire)’ by Jane Cavanough – refers to the chimney stacks of the brickworks once located nearby.

The monumental and curvilinear forms of Arkadia were inspired by the notion of community at ground level. Focusing on communal sun-soaked spaces to the north, Arkadia encourages a connection to the local community through extensive gathering spaces and small-scale entrances. Landscaped through-links and an integrated public pocket park seek to give something back to the wider community. These spaces encourage chance meetings across the site while maintaining key pedestrian links to Sydney Park and beyond.

Cleverly composed so that each of the buildings house micro communities with only 7-8 apartments on each level and with each building serviced by its own core lift shaft

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