Located with its base literally secured into the rock shelf of the Yamba (New South Wales) foreshore, this existing four storey unit block has been gutted and renovated to create two luxury apartments.  Previously used as holiday apartment accommodation with an owner’s residence on the top floor, the masonry structure provided a solid basis for which to transform the building.

The site is located in a highly visible, highly contentious, and highly legislatively controlled area of the Yamba beachfront.  Aspect was commissioned to undertake all aspects of the design, documentation, construction period services and negotiations with many parties including local councillors, neighbours, potential purchasers, consultants and real estate agents.  Providing a design which accommodated out client’s needs, and satisfied all other parties was challenging and complex.  Through an intimate understanding of the requirements of all parties and the knowing the details of the various applicable development codes, Aspect was able to achieve substantial compromise and maximise the potential of this particular site and this particular project.

The project now consists of two luxury apartments, each located over two floors of the building, and each with multiple indoor and outdoor living spaces, three bedrooms, a study and three carparks.  The lower apartment has the added advantage of private courtyard and ground level deck spaces.  Both apartments have expansive uninterrupted ocean views.  The design of the apartment layouts has exploited and expanded this wonderful natural amphitheatre.

The site is incredibly exposed to the elements.  The north east aspect and location overlooking the ocean mean that the building is exposed to high level sun, and continual sand and salt blasting from the ocean.  Simple design solutions such as providing additional overhang to each balcony as the building steps up the site, the use of glass balustrades to provide some wind protection, and the use of high level solar glass all service to increase the useability and liveability of the apartments.

The choice of exterior materials also reflects a desire to combat the harsh environment.  The original masonry structure is rendered and painted with an elastic exterior rated paint system, the roof is aluminium, and the awnings are clad in imported zinc cladding which will have a life span even in this environment of over 100 years.  The use of untreated tallowood cladding and decking externally provides a softness both visually and physically, and will deliberately grey off over time to take on a soft grey driftwood colour.  Maintenance access to this building is very difficult and very expensive, therefore the materials selection almost completely eliminates short to mid term building maintenance.

The lower apartment was sold, and Aspect was then commissioned independently to provide the architectural services relating to the fitout of this apartment also.

Each apartment is quite different in the fitout intent.  The upper apartment distinctly reflects the beach theme albeit in a very refined manner.  The extensive use of tasmanian oak timber in the joinery, tallowwood flooring, and limestone tiles provide a natural softness to the fitout.  Areas of bright colour in the joinery and bathrooms are used to highlight the playfulness and casual nature of the spaces.

The lower apartment is sensual in its materials usage and furnishings.  Limestone floor tiles, stained American oak timber flooring, marble benchtops, 2 pak joinery, and mosaic tiles combine to provide a depth of feeling in the fitout.  Strategically placed mirrors are used to expand the ocean views even further.

Surveyor - Harrison Shepherd

Town Planning - Land Partners

Structural Engineer - Michael Samms and Associates

Hydraulic Engineer - Glenn Haig and Associates

Certifier - Clarence Valley Council

Interiors - Aspect Architecture with Kellie Newman

Lighting - Aspect Architecture with Lumen8

Audio Visual and Home Automation - Electronic Living

Landscape Architect - Garden Expressions

Builder - Pritchett Family Homes

Photography - Matt Trent

Local Authority - Clarence Valley Council

downloads