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Archive

Dora Street, Hurstville

Studio GL was commissioned to work with a firm of local architects, Architecture and Buildings Works, to prepare a scheme that responded to the context and provided appropriate built form massing for a mixed-use site at Dora Street, Hurstville. The DA proposed the construction of a 14 storey mixed use building with a four storey street podium. The proposal included commercial and retail uses at the ground floor with residential uses on the higher floors.

Studio GL analysed the surrounding urban context, identified the applicable planning controls and provided commentary on concept designs as they developed. We also prepared an Urban Design Report that assessed the proposed massing and form of the mixed use development against SEPP 65 and Apartment Design Guide considerations.

The final scheme “was approved at the panel with no changes. I would almost call it a dream run… A great team effort by all!” Jim Apostolou, Architecture and Building Works.

Client: Icon Construction Group

 

Project date: 2017

 

Services: Residential Design

 

Similar Projects: Strategic Planning & Built-form ControlsConcept Design & Feasibility Analysis,Urban Design Review

Medium Density Housing Code Analysis

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment released the Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code and accompanying Design Guide in April 2018. The code allows two-storey dual occupancies, manor house and terrace development to be carried out under a complying development certificate process.

Studio GL support the need for a diverse range of successful medium density typologies and the intent of the new Code and therefore embarked on this self-funded research project. The outcome of our research is grouped into findings by typology (dual occ, manor or terrace), lot characteristics (corner or mid-block, wide, narrow, deep, shallow) and feasibility (footprint, type of construction, amount of floor space and circulation). We developed and tested complying conceptual designs and compared controls outlined in the Code with the planning controls of several LGA’s in NSW.

This enabled us to identify which development type, on which lots, and in which locations, are most likely and most unlikely to occur. Based on this research we are able to provide tailored advice to our clients on the opportunities and challenges posed by this code.

 

Date: 2018

 

Location: NSW wide

 

Services: Strategic Thinking & Planning, Residential Design, Research

 

Similar Projects: Medium Density Ideas Competition, Medium Density Study

TAP Station Precinct Upgrades

Over the last few years Studio GL have worked on a number of Station Precinct Upgrades as part of Transport for NSW’s Transport Access Program (TAP). The TAP project is an initiative to provide a better experience for public transport customers by delivering more accessible secure and integrated transport infrastructure.

Studio GL’s scope of work has included preparing a detailed urban design analysis of the station precincts including the local topography, built & landscape character, pedestrian experience and access issues. We collaborated with the wider project team of architects and engineers to review the opportunities and options for upgrades and developed urban design principles that reflected the analysis of the existing conditions, constraints and opportunities to ensure good urban and transport outcomes.

In 2015 Studio GL worked on an upgrade to the Jannali Station in Sutherland Shire. Project deliverables included the preparation of artist impressions to communicate the design and its context to stakeholders and the local community.

 

Client: Transport for NSW

 

Project date: 2013 – 2015

 

Services: Transport Urban Design, Strategic Thinking & Planning

 

Similar Projects: Strategic Centres 

Upper Hunter Town Centres Revitalisation

Studio GL was selected by the Upper Hunter Shire Council to prepare revitalisation plans for the townships of Scone, Aberdeen, Merriwa and Murrurundi. All are established rural towns with a rich history and a committed local community. Council was keen to encourage investment, support revitalisation and provide amenity for local residents as well as facilities to attract visitors.

Each masterplan provides a solid framework for future improvements including an extensive, tailored catalogue of best-practice initiatives that included new landscaping, parking and wayfinding, pedestrian and cycle access, traffic calming and gateway entrance treatments. To ensure local community involvement we ran a series of engagement events including workshops, drop in sessions and online feedback.

The four masterplans were finalised in March 2016, placed on exhibition and adopted in June 2016. Since then community-led Revitalisation Committees in each town have prioritised and implemented many of the recommended initiatives, with projects underway such as public artworks, heritage trails, town branding, visitor signage, footpath upgrades and street tree planting.

Client: Upper Hunter Shire Council

Project date: 2015-2016

Railway Street, Lidcombe

This large, well-located site is approximately 200m from Lidcombe Station, in an area experiencing a significant urban renewal in the west of Sydney. A site-specific planning proposal had changed the planning controls on the site to create an extension to Friends Park at the rear with taller buildings facing the railway line. Following a pre DA review by the Design Review Panel. Studio GL was engaged by Phoenix Builders to provide urban design advice regarding the design of a mixed-use development by Loucas Architects, comprising residential units, retail and office space.

A key challenge for the project was confusion between the requirements under the LEP and DCP and the controls created by the planning proposal. Studio GL reviewed all the relevant planning controls, including the Apartment Design Guide and Better Placed and created a series of clear diagrams that illustrated the various controls and options considered for the site.

We worked with the Client, architect and landscape architect to create a high amenity, well-designed development that would be attractive to residents, commercial and retail tenants and would provide increased amenity, open space and improved access to the train station.

 

Client: Phoenix Builders

 

Project date: 2020-2021

 

Services: Urban Design Reports

 

Similar Projects: Norton Street Leichhardt

Concept Design & Feasibility Analysis

Studio GL was commissioned to prepare concept options for subsequent feasibility testing for a site located in Drummoyne. Council had received a Planning Proposal that was seeking a substantial increase in building height and was surrounded by significant heritage items dating from the 1910s and 1920s. We provided concepts so Council could understand the impact of different development options including terrace house development and 3-storey and 4-storey apartments.

We also provided advice on possible changes to the Planning Proposal scheme that would lessen the impact on the surrounding area. Our recommendations included increased setbacks, a reduction of overall floor space by decreasing apartment sizes, relocation of tall building elements such as lift overruns to improve sunlight access to neighbouring properties and a redesign of the basement carpark to increase deep soil zones and the opportunity for significant vegetation and tree planting.

 

Client: City of Canada Bay

 

Project date: 2015

 

Services: Feasibility Pre-Design, Residential Design

 

Similar Projects: Strategic Planning & Built-form ControlsUrban Design Review, Dora Street Hurstville

Nowra Riverfront Precinct

Studio GL have been asked to explore a strategic direction for the development of the Nowra Riverfront as an entertainment and leisure precinct. The area is in a prominent gateway location with high amenity provided by the river and natural surrounds and provides a significant opportunity to shape the character of Nowra into the future and strengthen the town’s role as the civic, community, tourism and recreational hub for the region. NSW Road and Maritime Services (RMS) is currently proposing a second river crossing (a new bridge) west of the existing Shoalhaven Bridge, which will have a significant impact on the precinct.

Studio GL have been reviewing previous studies and will provide a summary of the opportunities and constraints of the precinct and then develop planning and design principles specific to the Riverfront Precinct.

 

Client: Shoalhaven City Council

 

Project date: 2015 – 2018

 

Services: Town Centre Studies, Development Controls, Community Engagement, Strategic Planning

 

Similar Projects: Canada Bay Development Control PlanNowra CBD Development Controls, Victoria Road Urban Design Review, Upper Hunter Town Centres Revitalisation, Port Kembla Revitalisation

Camden LGA Mapping

Local Strategic Planning Statements (LSPS) establish a 20-year vision for land use in the local area. They identify the special character and values that are to be preserved and how change will be managed into the future. Studio GL prepared comprehensive mapping of the strategic direction identified by Camden Council under four key themes: Infrastructure and Collaboration, Liveability, Productivity, and Sustainability.

Existing mapping of the LGA consisted of basic data (cadastre and zoning). The additional required information was carefully pieced together from numerous sources including aerial and street maps, proposed infrastructure upgrades by various authorities and other strategic planning documents. The final output is a set of comprehensive maps of the Camden LGA and surrounds, with symbols and a graphic language that relate to State Government policies including the Metropolitan Strategy and the District Plan.

The maps have been well received by Council and stakeholders, effectively conveying the complex strategic planning direction including future land use and growth areas, priority zones and existing and proposed major infrastructure.

Client: Camden Council

Project date: 2019

Medium Density Ideas Competition

Studio GL developed an integrated medium density housing typology and neighbourhood master plan for the Density and Diversity Done Well ideas competition run by the Queensland Government in 2017. The competition explored the ‘missing middle’ of housing choice in Australia, between apartments and detached dwellings, and was looking for new housing types to meet Queensland’s community, environmental and urban challenges.

Our scheme proposed a finer grain of new public laneways through an existing suburban block, which enabled a more accessible and walkable urban structure to support increased density. The aim was to encourage walking, creating increased opportunity for people to meet informally, build social connections and support local services. The affordable housing module provided in-built potential for expansion, adaptation and change of use and living spaces on the upper levels responded to the climate, maximising natural ventilation through high ceilings and capturing local breezes. The small building footprint allowed increased deep soil zones supporting mature trees and vegetation, which provided privacy screening, increased amenity and reduced the heat island effect.

 

Client: Queensland Government 

 

Project date: 2017

 

Services: Strategic Thinking & Planning, Residential Design, Research

 

Similar Projects: Medium Density Study, Medium Density Housing Code Analysis

 

Medium Density Study

Studio GL prepared an in-depth study for Shoalhaven Council investigating ways to ensure that future medium density built form integrates well within the existing neighbourhood character of Nowra and is supported by smart local planning and development controls.

The project involved extensive case study research, with a focus on high-quality built typologies and designs that are making a positive contribution to their local neighbourhood. Local controls were also identified which helped to facilitate this positive outcome. To ensure the controls reflected the local character, this study was also supported by photographic studies of elements that contribute to ‘character’, spatial mapping of the local area and architectural infill typology testing. By comparing legislation across various councils and at a detailed level, we were able to develop a suite of the most effective LEP and DCP controls.

This suite of controls was tailored to local conditions and refined during a series

of workshops with Council staff, community members, landowners and local developers. Council adopted the study in July 2018 and is currently preparing a Planning Proposal and a revised DCP based on the recommendations.

Client: Shoalhaven City Council

 

Date: 2016-18

 

Services: Strategic Thinking & Planning, Residential Design, Research

 

Similar Projects: Medium Density Ideas Competition, Medium Density Housing Code Analysis