Asia & The Gulf Commercial Design Trends Asia Commercial Design Vol. 30/9 | Page 76

Owen says digital technology made it cost
effective to create different plans and specifications
for each of the 17 levels.
“We now have the tools to create complex
geometric forms that are as affordable as traditional
designs. The technology is there to push the limits.
“For this project we used Meyer software and
Rhino scripting to determine the design, with the
Frank Gehry Digital studio assisting in the fabrication geometry. The computer drawings were sent
straight to the builder who used routing robots to
laser cut the hundreds of tessellated, individually
shaped metal and sandstone panels.”
Owen says the technology enabled the design

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team to create a highly sculptural, fluid facade, with
a design he calls “liquid architecture.” It is a bold,
curvaceous contrast to the egg-crate box style of
architecture that has typified Sydney’s apartment
buildings in recent years.
The geometry of the curving bays of the front
facade gradually changes as the building rises,
with the three-level penthouse stepped back to
maximise the sun and views.
“We took the geometry right down to the ground,
with a protruding metal canopy over the entry,”
says the architect. “The neighbouring buildings
tend to have a decorative solid sandstone podium,
so we created a similarly detailed podium.”

Below:The ripple of the
balustrades brings a fluid look
to the exterior. The penthouse
occupies the top three floors,
which are stepped back to
maximise the sun and views.
Right:Every apartment opens out
to a large balcony, where views
are framed by the curve of the
balustrading.