CHT Architects

The Maze Apartments

The Maze Apartments
© Christine Francis

THE MAZE APARTMENTS

CHT Architects

ARCHITECTS
CHT Architects

PHOTOGRAPHS
Christine Francis

AREA
4356.0 sqm

YEAR
2012

LOCATION
Richmond VIC, Australia

Text description provided by architect.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The Maze Apartments is a five-storey building comprising 32 one- and two-bedroom apartments. The concept behind its facade evolved through the exploration of graphic patterns and how they could be manifested in contemporary architecture.

The Maze Apartments
© Christine Francis
The Maze Apartments
© Christine Francis

During conceptual design, works by artists, such as Helmut Federle and Sol LeWitt, as well as diagrams and patterns, were referenced. The found geometry of a maze was eventually projected onto the facade grid, informing both the composition and placement of architectural elements.

The spandrel weaves balconies and windows in a ribbon-like manner, adhering to an order, yet creating a non-repetitive facade that becomes the built diagram. Essentially, the building is an orthogonal block that has been carved into with intent.

The materials are inspired by Melbourne’s apartment typologies, yet are applied in a way that liberates them from their typical use. A non-repetitive composition of concrete forms, that float between ribbons of glass and planes of timber, results in a unified, identifiable and resolved presence.

PUBLIC AND CULTURAL BENEFITS

With its raw and robust materiality, the building pays homage to Richmond’s former light-industrial context, while also acting as a contemporary example of residential architecture. In fact, The Maze Apartments has been referenced by the City of Yarra’s planning department as an architectural precedent for future developments.

The Maze Apartments
© Christine Francis
The Maze Apartments
© Christine Francis

RELATIONSHIP OF BUILT FORM TO CONTEXT

The building is sympathetic to Richmond’s industrial history, while referencing the area’s current residential and commercial uses. Its surrounding urban fabric consists of hard-wearing, refurbished industrial buildings, as well as high-density, multi-residential developments. 

The site sits on the edge of the high-density precinct, where it meets an established, single-storey residential neighbourhood to the north. The orthogonal block-form of the building responds to the streetscape, as well as the different site interfaces, where it varies in height, composition and setbacks. Various textures and materials have been used to provide visual interest and resonate with the surrounding precinct.

PROGRAM RESOLUTION

The client brief was to build a cost-effective, raw and robust building, with maximum amenity. A stacked floor plan meets the commercial objectives, without compromising the architectural aspirations for the building. Apartment typologies reflect current market trends with high-quality detailing and finishes.

INTEGRATION OF ALLIED DISCIPLINES

Close collaboration between the architects and consultants was a hallmark of this project. By working closely together, the team was able to ensure the architectural intent of the building was not compromised.

The Maze Apartments
© Christine Francis
The Maze Apartments
© Christine Francis

COST/VALUE OUTCOME

In order to achieve a cost-effective outcome, a stacked floor plan was implemented, however, the complexity of the facade helps to create a non-repetitive aesthetic.

SUSTAINABILITY

The majority of apartments are north-facing with excellent solar access. Apartment layout and building plate arrangement provide maximum daylight and natural ventilation.

The Maze Apartments
© Christine Francis
The Maze Apartments
© Christine Francis

All south-facing apartments have large windows, without overhangs. High-performance glass and energy efficient systems have been used throughout.

SPONSE TO CLIENT AND USER NEEDS

Effective planning and a strong architectural concept were vital in attracting discerning owner-occupiers. Well-thought-out design also ensured that overshadowing to the development to the south was kept to a minimum.


The Maze Apartments
East Elevation
The Maze Apartments
North Elevation
The Maze Apartments
East-West Elevation


The Maze Apartments
Ground Floor Plan
The Maze Apartments
Basement Floor Plan
The Maze Apartments
First Floor Plan
The Maze Apartments
Second Floor Plan
The Maze Apartments
Third Floor Plan
The Maze Apartments
Fourth Floor Plan
The Maze Apartments
Site Plan
The Maze Apartments
Floor Plan

CHT Architects
T +61 3 94171944
CHT Architects
20-30 Mollison St, Abbotsford VIC 3067, Australia