Boxshall | Cera Stribley

Boxshall
Brighton, Victoria | 2020

Multi-Residential

Domenic Cerantonio, Kate Hatherley, Katherine McDonald, Damien Metzer, Jason Tam, Ainhoa Rafael

Boxshall’s low-rise sculptural architecture stretches across a rare corner block in the heart of Brighton. The design makes beautiful use of the site’s vastness, elevation and north-facing light through a dynamic typology inspired by coastal rhythms and classical proportions—elements seen throughout the locale.

Working in collaboration with Studio Piet Boon, the three-level multi-residential building is measured from the inside out to arrive at 15 two- and three-bedroom residences whose scale and sense of privacy are akin to grand homes. Vast floorplans—each one unique—allows the interior to possess both spaciousness and intimacy.

The built form is wrapped in lush landscaping by Myles Baldwin, whose signature tonal and layered green planting creates a biophilic effect. Garden spaces are generous throughout the ground floor courtyards, the private terraces on the first floor and the four penthouses above. The architecture works in synergy with the landscaping to offer green outlooks at every turn— looking through full-height glazing, down onto the courtyards below or glimpsing plant life through picture windows.

Cera Stribley’s considered material palette is warm, natural and minimal to forge an enduring connection with the building’s context. Tonal colours of light grey, charcoal and bronze mirror those found along the shore and blend with neighbouring structures for a subtly enticing character; textures invite touch whilst ensuring the building stands the test of time.

Our Solution

Inspiration

The inspiration behind the architectural design is derived from the context of Brighton. The neo-classical grid grounds the project in an architectural vernacular that is familiar to the area, acting as the datum for form development, juxtaposed by the dynamic rhythm of organic reference points to provide a softness and variation unique to Boxshall.

Concept Identification

Picking up on the architectural typologies found throughout Brighton and the surrounding suburbs, Neo-Classical grids are referenced to bring a familiar yet contemporary starting point to the design.

The Doppler Effect

To create an organic sense of movement and unique rhythm the Neo-Classical grid has been augmented using principles of the Doppler effect.

Wave Propagation

Taking precedence from the Doppler effect a unique rhythm is created within the street facing facade. Notional wave forms create joining moments of the horizontal and vertical facade elements. Dynamically creating softness and ever-changing shadow articulation throughout the day.

Façade Expression

The articulated curved elements create movement and a rhythmic motion, similar to the lapping of waves and the play of ocean forms. These elements join the horizontal and vertical elements into a seamless sculptural facade extrusion.

Architectural Application

The overall facade develops a notion of soft, organic patterns that are seen in nature. The neo-classic grid is augmented to create a contemporary take on many typologies that are present throughout Brighton. The facade aligns with the existing street scape rhythm yet provides a unique take on a familiar architectural typology.