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Published
07.22
Aire opens its doors
NEW LANDMARK PIECE OF ARCHITECTURE AIRE – A LUXURY JAPANESE INSPIRED GOLF-SIDE BUILDING
Sekisui House has proudly completed the company’s Japanese inspired golf-side building Aire, a landmark piece of architecture that sits at the highest elevation point within The Orchards, a $1 billion masterplanned community in Sydney’s Norwest.
Designed by multi-award winning architectural practice Rothelowman, Aire (Stage 2) acts as a prominent urban marker at the gateway to The Orchards and comprises 57 exclusive nature inspired residences.
George Gesouras, Project Director at Sekisui House Australia said, “Aire sets a new luxury living apartment benchmark in Norwest and the Hills District. It showcases what is possible when extraordinary architecture, detailed construction, considered design and environmental philosophies combine to create an aspirational building. This achievement, driven by a highly skilled team has created a legacy for The Orchards community.
“Aire’s generous oversized apartments fit the changing needs of the new community allowing flexible living and work from home arrangements. The building responds to its environment and the community at a time where the home is becoming even more important as a place where people retreat to and create a personal sanctuary. Extensive communal amenities feature in Aire to connect residents and provide social gathering places to meet neighbours and form new friendships.”
“Sekisui House’s design principles developed over 60 years start with embracing and respecting nature and people to work towards a sustainable future. Our commitment to ESG via rooftop solar panels, water sensitive urban design, sophisticated high efficiency energy systems and electric vehicle charging stations enable residents to future-proof their new home in a changing world,” added Mr Gesouras.
Principal architect Ben Pomroy at Rothelowman, comments, “Aire, known as The Pebble, or Koishi building, plays an essential role in establishing the northern entry to the precinct and acts an urban marker that responds to its prominent location within the Norwest district. Conceived as two separate but interlinked objects, each part of the building has been tuned to its context. The north-eastern wing presents highly sculpted end forms, with striking curved precast and glazing that create urban markers on approach to the precinct.
“The breadth of the northern elevation requires a singular gesture of balconies that extend across the full façade length. At key moments in the façade, the pattern on the balustrade bends and folds to create visual interest. These balustrades address the northern views across Castle Hill Golf Course and evoke the lines of a Japanese pebble garden. The edge of the building is accentuated with a unique 180-degree panoramic curved glass window.”
The curved structure integrates with the existing Imperial development (Stage 1) to provide shared communal spaces between the two buildings.
A private landscaped courtyard with orchards, generous lawn spaces and a water feature link the buildings at the ground plane, with shared access to a residents’ lounge within Aire. The communal roof terrace has been scaled to accommodate residents of both developments.
Aire was constructed by Growthbuilt who translated the architectural concepts and Sekisui House’s design philosophies into a bespoke building that exceeds all expectations.
Colin Rahim, Joint CEO & Director at Growthbuilt said, “The highly qualified team adopted a collaborative approach with a sustainability focus and desire to deliver a unique structure using contemporary construction techniques. Collective design workshops were held with key consultants in the early stages to formulate a united plan for the precast façade panels and window systems to achieve a dynamic structure that maximised views for all apartments.
“A custom re-usable precast formliner system was used to manufacture the various façade elements. A variety of panels were able to be manufactured from each mould, ensuring a cohesive structure. The high-quality built form that was delivered is testament to our pursuit for building excellence which adds value to our client’s property portfolios.”
Many of the modern designer apartments overlook the picturesque fairways of one of Sydney’s leading golf clubs – the Castle Hill Country Club. Residents are enjoying uninterrupted views, designer finishes and access to private rooftop amenity including an infinity pool, landscaped sun deck, cabanas and rooftop dining facilities.
Empty nesters Michael and Louise lived in the Hills District for over 20 years and were looking to downsize in the local area to remain close to friends and family. “Apartment living is what we were looking for to maintain an active lifestyle and enjoy our retirement years. When an apartment became available in Aire overlooking the golf course we were instantly sold. Over the last three years, we have watched with excitement and anticipation our next stage in life coming out of the ground.
We have just moved into Aire and are simply over the moon – our choice of location, quality build and extensive community facilities that are available to us. We love to travel locally and abroad. Our new home is secure and gives us peace of mind knowing that it will be well maintained when we are absent.”
The Orchards masterplan, designed by Turner is spread across 8.1 hectares and five stages. Underpinning all aspects of the design is the Japanese concept of ‘satoyama’. This term refers to connecting people through ‘ribbons of green’ and is demonstrated in a lush green spine throughout the estate to enrich the lives of residents.
Set on a nature site with a creek and cycle/walkways, The Orchards will feature recreational amenities including a 1.4-hectare public park, playgrounds, break-out green spaces, outdoor lagoon pool, large indoor fitness centre and indoor heated swimming pool. When completed the community will comprise 1300 generously proportioned apartments.
The Orchards is located approximately 31 kilometres north-west of Sydney’s CBD and is nestled in Norwest. It is strategically positioned 800 metres from Norwest Metro Train Station and 600 metres from Norwest Marketown as well as Norwest Business Park – currently housing over 30,000 employees.
For further information about The Orchards, visit www.the-orchards.com.au or call 1800 606 808.