Building Design
The tessellated metal screen is a key feature of the design and serves many functions; helping to create a landmark street presence whilst providing vertical sun shading, privacy to upper level residences and framing sweeping views across Bendigo to gold rush era buildings such as the Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Comprising ground floor retail, first floor office and second and third floor residential, 111 Mitchell Street brings a new standard of environmentally sustainable and contemporary design that is scheduled for completion in August 2016.
The building will have four pedestrian entry points for the public. The main pedestrian entry to the building will be located mid-way along the Mollison Street frontage. This grand entry will be the main access to the first floor offices and the apartments. The main street address is highlighted by a double height entry lobby with opulent finishes, cutting through the lineal form of the building to draw people into the foyer and up either the mezzanine stair or lift, to the first floor offices.
The Victorian facade of the corner building will be retained and linked with new elements that maintain the rhythm of operable windows at viewing height to maximise amenity and views for occupants. At ground floor the windows will be enlarged to create an active frontage to the street and allow engagement at a pedestrian level whereby a new metal awning veranda will provides weather protection and opportunity for commerce in the public realm.
Architect
Clare Cousins Architects is a multi-disciplinary Melbourne-based practice founded in 2005. Whilst specializing in residential and retail, their projects are diverse in scale and type, ranging from one-off designs for homes and retail boutiques, to multi residential developments, commercial and cultural projects.
Underpinning their creative strategies is a demonstrative commitment to sustainability, longevity and value. They are recognised not only by clients but also industry awards and media interest.
Sustainability
111 Mitchell Street incorporates a range of sustainability measures to help reduce energy/water consumption and waste output.
These include:
Retention of as much of the existing building fabric as possible;
Gas fired refrigerate variable flow heating and cooling to all commercial and retail tenancies which reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50% compared to similar electric systems;
Courtyards and design to maximise natural light;
Double glazing and use of high performance Low-E glass;
Operable windows for natural ventilation for all sections of the building including commercial areas;
LED and sensor lighting to minimise power usage;
Integrated awnings and sunscreens to reduce solar gain;
Photovoltaic cells to supplement energy usage for commercial tenants;
Carefully selected fitting & fixtures for reduced water consumption;
Increased acoustic & thermal insulation.
The apartments are also designed to be passively warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Fixed awnings, along with polished concrete floors, help to moderate the internal temperature.
