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151 Toorak Road is a 6 story office building with a ground floor restaurant occupying the corner of Darling Street. It responds to its heritage neighbours with an innovative Flex Brick second-skin facade over a traditional brickwork base. The design is drawn from careful analysis of the brick patterning on the former 1890s South Yarra Post Office* opposite, coupled with the need to protect the west facade from heat load.

The primary motif is a striking patterned brick veil or brise soleil screening the building from western sun. It is employed for passive climate control. It changes colour and pattern to respond to the building’s massing and the colouration of the neighbouring context.

The sun baffle drastically reduces glare and the interior temperature of the building, while retaining views. Detailed studies were done to ensure interior comfort was maintained, while reducing running costs and reliance on mechanical cooling.

With Covid-19 design principles in mind, the double skin facade allows for ample user-controlled fresh air and natural ventilation while maintaining privacy. Landscaped outdoor spaces, including a large roof garden and a terrace facing Toorak Road, provide green outdoor breakout spaces.

The office floors have no reliance on fossil fuel, and are gas free. The offices are leased as 'shells' to reduce or eliminate building waste.

*South Yarra Post Office, designed by Public Works Department Architect AJ McDonald is one of a rare group of buildings which epitomises the late 19th century movement to evolve an Australian style in architecture by combining Australian decorative motifs with American Romanesque and art nouveau forms.

Read the full articles in ArchDaily and INDESIGNLIVE

Country: Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung