Huge House Folio M.Arch

Beyond Compartmentalised: House & Home Queen Mary Building Car park, Camperdown, 2025

Lauren Cvetko

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A Huge House IV: USyd Aboriginal College: 270 Student Housing

INDEX

Index Project statement Site plan Site plan diagrams Summary Sketch Model image Ground floor plan Typical plan Plan diagrams Section Sectional diagrams Elevation Model image II Sketch II Unit plan Plan diagrams II Consultation diagram Façade detail Façade axonometric Material palette Considerations Of Country Model image IV Interior image Preliminary budget Document checklist Sketch III Postscript 2

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PROJECT STATEMENT

Beyond Compartmentalised: House & Home, investigates the spatial and emotional realities of contemporary student housing. Focused on providing First Nations students autonomy over their living space, while also encouraging connection. In a time where architecture is increasingly defined by efficiency and isolation, Beyond Compartmentalised: House & Home proposes an alternative—one that leans into the ambiguities of shared life, spatial tension, and connecting students beyond their individual compartmental spaces.

A nondescript commercial car park, is redefined beyond the transitory and comparmentalised. Instead of reinforcing strict divisions between public and private, the design opens thresholds—both physically and experientially. It aims not only to house, but to hold, and allow room for time and connection.

Each room offers the resident a space to self-regulate, decompress, and adapt their environment to their own rhythm. This spatial autonomy is crucial—not only in response to student life, but as an act of cultural respect.

The building stands on unceded land, and its interior logic honours this by ensuring that each occupant is afforded agency over their own space, their own air, their own time.

But the project refuses to stop at autonomy. Instead, it carefully unpicks the rigid compartmentalisation often found in housing typologies. Balconies are staggered, double-height operable windows introduced, and sliding study desks extend the act of learning into shared air.

These design choices allow the building to breathe. They invite moments of interruption, mutual visibility, and ambient presence—acknowledging that even discomfort

can carry a kind of warmth Throughout the project, common areas are not designed as set pieces of social life, but as spatial overlaps—places where silence or sound can spill from one unit to the next. Where a student working late might catch the glow of a neighbour’s lamp. Where lives bleed softly into each other without demand or spectacle. These moments are minor, but they hold deep emotional resonance for students finding their footing in the city.

Materiality plays a crucial role. Glass bricks, perforated balustrades, and transitional zones layer the façade in gradients of light and proximity. The external structure remains legible, but the additions blur its boundaries. The building becomes a vessel for shared weather—literal and emotional.

In naming this project Beyond Compartmentalised: House & Home, the distinction between shelter and belonging is foregrounded. ‘House’ becomes the framework: structural, legible, and essential. ‘Home’ becomes the residue: the soft marks left by light, sound, presence, and time. The project doesn’t offer a solution to the messiness of shared life—it offers a way to witness it more carefully.

Ultimately, this is an architecture that accepts benevolent contradiction. It allows tension between solitude and solidarity to sit unresolved, yet held. Because somewhere between the walls, the breath, the light left on next door—a home is quietly made, with enough room for the self and student collective to co-exist.

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SITE PLAN

The building takes on the entire build-able area leaving a rectilinear footprint with a wider northern section, which later becomes the light filled communal areas. A need for a 6m set back from the Queen Mary Building’s west facing balconies creates a slim linear west wing for modular rooms each with an unobstructed view.

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SITE PLAN DIAGRAMS Synthesis with the QMB geometry

A prosperous ground floor | Education, Art, Retail

Voids | Generous Light

Gentle Boundary with QMB | Ceremony

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The site is compact and in a mixed use area. Entry is from the main street to the west. The building mirrors the geometry of the QMB, acting subtly as an extension, the boundary mirrors the courtyard approach to QMB. A shelter void is cut into the site to allow light to tunnel into the common areas of the building all year round.

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SUMMARY

Built form

Construction of a 17 -story tower, including a landscaped roof.

Uses

Student accommodation, comprising 270 rooms: 46 x en suite rooms/ accessible (kitchen and bathroom) 224 x studio rooms (kitchen, no bathroom) Bicycle parking, storage, waste room, reception, and plant equipment on ground and top floor.

Gross Floor Area

Total GFA of 10,285 m2 (floor space ratio 11:1)

Height

60 m

Communal Open Space

Total of 2141 m2, comprising 506 m2 on roof and 279 m2 on Ground Floor, 1356 m2 between residential floors.

Access

Primary pedestrian from Church Street.

Bicycle access from Church Street.

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SKETCH

A lightly eucalyptus coloured steel structure touches the ground making the entrance with exposed structure to the ground floor. Patrons are welcomed into the building with a generously populated ground floor of mixed amenities , bike parking and a ceremonial space to the east boundary.

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MODEL IMAGE

The building is modest but robust in it’s structure. Built structurally solid while suggestive of the ephemeral, with double height sliding glass windows and glass brick gently revealing the robust structure. The building is also supported by two brick spines (pink on model) as a subtle nod to the QMB and soften the industrial elements of the structure.

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GROUND FLOOR PLAN

A generous ground plan; the ground floor goes beyond welcoming patrons home. It is a versatile space that opens the community up to the students. To be Populated with commercial, educational and ingenious galleries. The east of the plan a ceremonial space marks and blurs the boundary between the QMB. 10

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TYPICAL PLAN Typical Plan (mezzanines)

Typical Plan

Illustrating the mezzanines in groups of three floors above the common area levels.

Illustrating every fourth floor which facilitates the main common area

The plan is simple and easier navigated from any point on the residential floors. Modular and well proportioned geometry allows for fair and ample rooms. The layout acts in thresholds, as you progress to the liberal balconies and shared spaces. Every 4th story holds a large common area with a shared kitchen for cooking after hours (to avoid balconies). The rest of the floors are cut with a void capped with glass brick to allow light to flood the core.

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PLAN DIAGRAMS

Fire strategy

Structural grid

Sharing a fire stair with QMB allows for more common area and well spaced fire stairs. The structural grid is simple and defines the modular layout of th rooms leaving a lot of unobstructed space. The circulation allows easy access to all points on the plan.

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Vertical circulation

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PLAN DIAGRAMS

Cross Ventilation

Accessibility

Sharing Arrangements

Common areas are well ventilated with operable windows to the north, liberal residential balconies are fit with double height operable windows. A central lift core allows for easy access to all points. Student rooms are along the east spine and accessibility/ shared rooms which can be solo or paired are north facing.

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PLAN DIAGRAMS

Week 5

Week 9

Week 13

Week 15

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SECTION

The section reveals the light filled void core with four story intermissions between the shared communal areas.

The section also reveals the transition from private on to the shared balconies which have kitchens that face outward to the view, whether the windows are closed or open students get a small sense of cooking in the open outdoors.

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SECTIONAL DIAGRAMS

Ventilation

Solar Access

The building is constructed in modular cells of four stories with a operable windows to both the east and north faces of the building allowing ventilation to the rooms and central core of the building. A central void allows for yearly light with liberal windows to the north face communal area every fourth story. Balconies and kitchen spaces enjoy afternoon and evening sun.

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ELEVATION

The main elevation is broken up every second story, to give the facade a more open feel. Having double height windows above the glass brick breaks up the inevitable repetition that the arrangement of the rooms would project onto the facade. Glass brick balconies adds an ephemeral blurring of the light coming from the interior.

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MODEL IMAGE II

Glass brick, concrete and a steel structure softened in green, Industrial and raw, but quiet. The bracing and steel structure lay behind glass brick and double height operable windows, that allow for autonomy and protection, but their shared use fosters connection.

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SKETCH II

Tight but strategic rooms, that allow for an afternoon glow or a well lit study space. Interior curtains at texture to the space beyond granting students autonomy of how their space is lit. A shared glass wall subtle nudges you to get to know your neighbour.

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UNIT PLAN

Every second level the student rooms balconies have glass brick flooring to create the illusion of height, as well as allow for more light in the afternoons and limited morning light. Shared kitchens for every two units as well as lounging areas on the balconies. Students can enjoy many arrangements of the space and a long room pulls the eye outwardly to the view, gently guiding students onto the balconies 20

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PLAN DIAGRAMS II

Sharing arrangement

Structural grid

Cross Ventilation

Autonomy

The rooms are simple and versatile, well ventilated and amply lit. Students can choose from shutting of their space with a black out soundproofing curtain, a sheer curtain or glass bi fold doors. They also have the option of sliding their desks on the shared balcony to study in an outdoor like environment despite. The curtain railing dips down to form a clothing rack to add playfulness.

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FAÇADE DETAIL

1. Balcony supported by 2mm braided steel cables, fixed to under side of slab and intermediate slabs 2. Aluminum mesh balustrade welded and pinned to slab, powder-coat finish Dulux Eucalyptus 3. 190x100 Glass brick fixed to 25mm T plates and filled with silicon sealant, balcony floor 4. 250UB25 , powder-coated in Dulux Eucalyptus 5. aluminium sliding glazed windows powder coat finish in Dulux Beige Royal 6. aluminum flashing 7. 190 x100 reclaimed frosted glass brick pinned to slab and beam 8. sink , gas top and day bed joinery in Australian Jarrah or Spotted Gum, oil finished 9. sink , gas top and day bed joinery in Australian Jarrah or Spotted Gum, oil finished 10. 200mm reinforced concrete slab , polished and waterproofed 11. 190x100 glass brick to slab edge supported bby steel plate fixed to slab.

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FAÇADE AXONOMETRIC

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MATERIAL PALETTE

Oil Stained Australian timber

Brick

Powder coated windows

The colour palette is muted but still inviting and colourful.

Reminiscent of Australian landscapes and flora. The colours are also easy on the eye balancing a variety of warm and more cooler toned accents.

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Steel

Steel Bracing

CONSIDERATIONS OF COUNTRY Landscaped roof + Native Veg + Medicine A roof that is open to the elements and structurally robust enough to support landscape and vegetation to the residents discretion.

Generous shared balconies Allowing ample cross ventilation and the option to be exposed to fresh air.

Supporting health and connection, aiding in over all well being.

Spine of Rooms Room types are easy to navigate and fair in their typology and arrangement.

With every room having not only a liberal view but access to fresh air.

Fair Amenities + Access Lifts are at the centre of the circulation improving circulation amenities are close to rooms and lifts, the circulation is fair and gives autonomy and freedom to patrons.

Liberal Common Areas To support well being and mental health, large open shared areas to compensate for small rooms and foster connection as well as help circulation.

Community Engagement Smoking pit area

A commercial ground floor ‘HUB’ for indigenous businesses, gallery spaces and educational spaces, like an off branch of the gadigal centre.

A landscaped boundary with a smoking pit, to be autonomously landscaped with native plants and ample in space for holding ceremony. On ground floor, to support various ceremony types,

The arrangement of the massing facilitates a broad range of the criteria for connecting o country. A building that it generous to users, simple to navigate, fair in access to all elements, engagement with the sky and ground.

The building is anchored with what could houses an ‘indigenous’ hub of commercial and educational spaces.

This Huge house acts beyond house and home; inviting community and individual growth.

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PRELIMINARY BUDGET Student Housing

$/m2 m2 proposal

4,500.00 10,285.00

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AUD $10,644,975.00

Substructure

2.5

$1,157,062.50

Superstructure Columns Upper Floors Staircase Roof Externall Walls/Windows External Doors Internal Walls Internal Screens Internal Doors

0.5 10 2.4 1 3.6 0.3 3.35 0.31 0.1

$231,412.50 $4,628,250.00 $1,110,780.00 $462,825.00 $1,666,170.00 $138,847.50 $1,550,463.75 $143,475.75 $46,282.50

Finishes Wall Floors Ceilings

5 3.5 1.9

$2,314,125.00 $1,619,887.50 $879,367.50

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$5,091,075.00 $0.00

Services Plumbing Mechanical Fire Electrical Transportation Special

13.2 2 0.8 5.9 5.4

$6,109,290.00 $925,650.00 $370,260.00 $2,730,667.50 $2,499,255.00 $0.00

External Services

0.24

$111,078.00

4

$1,851,300.00

100

$46,282,500.00

Preliminaries

Fittings Fitments Specials

Contingency Total

%

The building takes advantage of having walls share structural space, the design embraces this meaning there is a lower requirement for internal finishes and cladding by embracing the structural materials. Structural material like steel age visibly well.

A larger contingency number has been added due to the market price of glass bricks. However recycled brick and glass brick could be used where possible and available to source.

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CHECKLIST PC Criteria

Page

[3] Understand the principles of project planning, considering implications for Country, environmental sustainability, communities, stakeholders and project costs.

3, 10, 27

[8] Understand how to implement culturally responsive and meaningful engagement processes that respect the importance of Country and reciprocal relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across architectural services

3, 23

[12] Understand how relevant building codes, standards and planning controls apply across architectural practice, including climate change implications, the principles of fire safety, and barriers to universal access.

7,10-14, 24

[17] Have an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ aspirations to care for Country and how these inform architectural design.

3, 27

[19] Understand the purpose of project feasibility assessments, including research of site constraints, opportunities and risks, and methods of determining preliminary cost analysis.

12, 13, 26, 28

[23] Understand the purpose and process of generating a return brief for approval by the client and relevant stakeholders, including an awareness of the implications of non compliance

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[24] Understand how to identify and evaluate project development options in response to a project brief – its objectives, budget, user intent and built purpose, risks and timeframe, including environmental sustainability considerations.

10-14, 19-22, 28

[26] Be able to undertake site, cultural and contextual analysis as part of preliminary design research.

3, 23, 26

[27] Understand how to embed the knowledge, worldviews and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, shared through engagement processes, into the conceptual design in a meaningful, respectful and appropriate way.

23, 26

[34] Be able to apply principles and methodologies for presenting conceptual design proposals and associated information to clients, stakeholders and communities, including using culturally responsive methods appropriate to different audiences.

10-14, 19-22

[36] Be able to apply creative imagination, design precedents, emergent knowledge, critical evaluation and continued engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to produce a coherent project design. This should be resolved in terms of supporting health and wellbeing outcomes for Country, site planning, formal composition, spatial planning and circulation as appropriate to the project brief and all other factors affecting the project.

X X X X

X

X

X X X

X

X 24-26

[39] Understand how the integration of material selection, structural and construction systems impacts on design outcomes.

X

[40] Be able to resolve and present a coherent detailed design solution within necessary time frames to obtain client and stakeholder approvals.

[44] Understand the roles and types of relevant consultants and suppliers as well as applicable construction terminology.

24-26, 27, 28

X

[45] Understand processes for selecting materials, finishes, fittings, components and systems, based on consideration of quality and performance standards, the impact on Country and the environment, and the whole life carbon impact of the project.

[47] Be able to complete and communicate on-time, accurate documents for relevant stakeholders, including drawings, models, specifications, schedules and construction documentation.

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X

SKETCH III

A model made earlier in the centre demonstrating the light filled void core, as well as brushed aluminium and light timber finishes to reflect and bounce the light around the interior communal spaces.

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POSTSCRIPT Through this studio and design process, I began to see space not only as a container of function but as a medium of emotional and social choreography. Situated at the threshold between domestic life and collective living, the project allowed me to explore how subtle spatial decisions—light, proximity, thresholds, texture— could shape relationships, support privacy, and provoke quiet encounters.

Rather than enforce community, the design invites it.

Shared walls, glimpses through perforated screens, and the echo of footsteps down open corridors speak to an architecture that acknowledges solitude as much as togetherness.

This studio became a testing ground for how I work through intuition while remaining sensitive to urban context and structural logic. I drew heavily from my own lived experiences—between cities, classes, and cultures—allowing these tensions to quietly emerge through the project’s spatial language.

Looking back, this project confirmed for me that housing, when designed thoughtfully, is not just about efficiency or density, but about dignity, softness, and human rhythm. It is a small, personal gesture toward more nuanced, livable cities.

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Beyond Compartmentalised: House & Home Lauren Cvetko Tutorial 4

A Huge House IV: USyd Aboriginal College: 270 Student Housing