Architect and Builder January/February 2016

The requirement to provide a minimum of three parking bays per 100m² was a strong concept driver. There were several ‘hard’ restrictions on the site; all related to the levels of the existing structures and surrounding road infrastructure. The site was just wide enough to accommodate a double row of parking lanes. This normally makes for simple vehicle circulation, but in this case the section of building facing directly onto Bree Street had to accommodate a retail component, and this blocked the typical circular vehicle flow. The only option was to create two vehicle entrances to the building. The entrance on Mechau Street circulates downwards into the five level deep basement parking area, whilst the Bree Street entrance circulates upwards. The office levels start at roof level of the heritage façade and continue with a gradual reduction in footprint upwards for a further eleven floors. The upper floor is completely set back from the level below Touchstone House 33

Architect and Builder January/February 2016 | Page 35