being independent spaces relating to specific parts of the precinct, creating optimal outdoor lounges for all seasons.
The building mass expresses different characteristics from different vantage points. Viewed from Sable Road to the south, the blocks take on a sober, linear articulation, maximising the views of the mountain and creating a robust edge to the road. From within the precinct on the north end, the masses all shift and turn moving towards and away from the site boundary, creating a more permeable edge and resulting in a series of habitable forecourts that encourage pedestrian activity.
Structural Approach A large part of the building’ s concept was manifested in its structure. Creating distinct floating boxes that veer off and cantilever beyond one another was one of the biggest challenges. The engineers and designers worked closely together right from early concept phase to put the pieces in place to achieve this.
The most challenging aspect of the project was the buildability of a‘ shadow gap’ between the boxes to make them appear to hover above one another. To achieve this, a complex double slab component was introduced. The gap is achieved by a perimeter concrete downstand beam projecting into the ceiling void below, and extending outwards to form a protruding flange, or architectural slab, to echo the plan of the floor slab below. The reality of this component was questionable at times, but the desired result was achieved. The‘ shadow gap’ occurs at every instance where the two distinct boxes come into contact; which is just below the second floor, when the layered double height mass is on top, or just below the third floor, when the glass cube is on top.
Discovery Sable Park 41