Unley Living Village
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Architectural Design Studio (Environment)
Location: Unley, Adelaide Year : 2024
The Unley Living Village is a mixed-use residential development in Unley, Adelaide, designed to create a sustainable, communityfocused living environment. Initially developed in pairs as a masterplan, the project aimed to integrate regenerative architecture principles, cultural heritage, and environmental sustainability. Following the masterplan, each team member selected a section of the project to further develop independently. My focus was on enhancing the residential component through innovative design solutions, including sustainable systems, passive design strategies, and community spaces that promote social interaction and environmental responsibility. All drawings and designs presented are my own work, developed after the initial collaborative masterplan phase.
Unley is a suburb in Adelaide known for its rich history, diverse community, and evolving urban landscape. The Unley Living Village project was designed to enhance the area by creating spaces that reflect its unique character while addressing the needs of its residents.
A key feature of the project is the “Unley Roots Exchange,” a market space that serves as a hub for local producers and artisans. This market promotes a circular economy through a local exchange trading system, where community members can trade goods and services, fostering social connections and supporting local businesses. Positioned as a central element of the development, the market not only provides economic opportunities but also acts as a gathering place that reinforces community identity and engagement. The design integrates seamlessly with Unley’s urban fabric, offering accessible, inviting spaces that celebrate both the past and future of the area.
Thomas St
The Unley Living Village emphasizes community connection through thoughtfully designed spaces on the ground floor and level 1. The ground floor includes communal areas such as shared gardens, a café, and flexible spaces for workshops and local events, all aimed at fostering interaction among residents and visitors. Level 1 features additional community spaces, including a knowledge hub and a library, providing residents with learning, collaboration, and social engagement areas. These elements are designed to create a vibrant, inclusive environment that encourages community building and supports the diverse needs of Unley’s residents.
Level 1 Plan
The Unley Living Village features four levels of residential units on levels 2 through 5, emphasising affordability and diverse living arrangements. The development includes a mix of one-bedroom, twobedroom, and three-bedroom apartments catering to various household types. By incorporating more than 50% affordable housing, the design allowed for an additional level, reaching level 5, in compliance with planning regulations. The apartments are designed to prioritize natural light, ventilation, and energy efficiency, creating comfortable and sustainable homes that support the community’s diverse needs.
The Unley Living Village is designed with a strong focus on sustainability, incorporating regenerative architecture principles to minimize environmental impact. Key sustainable features include rainwater harvesting systems, passive solar design, and energy-efficient facades that reduce energy consumption.
The project utilizes reclaimed materials such as bricks, tiles, and steel, which are repurposed to create shading devices and add character to the design. Using locally sourced and low-carbon materials further supports the project’s commitment to reducing its ecological footprint while enhancing the connection to the community and its heritage.
North/South Section
The project utilizes perforated steel flooring to efficiently harvest rainwater, capturing approximately 120,000 liters annually over an 800 square meter area. This water is collected in two 60,000-liter underground tanks and is repurposed for greywater systems and irrigation throughout the site. A portion of the harvested water also supports a bird bath, designed to attract native bird species, enhancing local biodiversity and aligning with the project’s regenerative architecture goals. These strategies not only reduce water consumption but also foster a thriving ecosystem that connects residents with nature.
The Unley Living Village integrates multiple sound insulation strategies to enhance comfort and privacy within residential units. The design includes the use of Mass-Loaded Vinyl (MLV) under floor finishes to reduce noise transmission between floors. Walls between apartments and shared spaces are insulated with 90mm Bradford Soundscreen R2.5, while internal walls within the apartments feature 70mm Bradford Soundscreen R2.0 insulation. These measures effectively control sound transfer, ensuring a peaceful living environment without compromising affordability. By carefully balancing cost and acoustic performance, the project maintains high standards of comfort for its residents.
The Unley Living Village incorporates solar louvres spanning a 300 square meter area on its south and west facades, capable of generating approximately 100,000 kWh of electricity annually. This energy output is enough to power about 20 average Australian households for a year, significantly lowering the building’s carbon footprint. By generating clean energy, the system prevents around 85,000 kg of CO2 emissions each year, equivalent to the carbon sequestration of approximately 4,500 mature trees. This integration of solar technology not only meets a substantial portion of the building’s energy needs but also reinforces the project’s commitment to sustainability and reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
West/East Section
The Unley Living Village employs two strategically placed light wells and louver systems on both the roof and the apartment facades facing these wells to optimize natural airflow throughout the building. During the day, the cross ventilation system draws cooler external air through the louvers and light wells, expelling warmer air upwards and out through the roof. At night, the cooler outdoor temperatures enable a night purge, where cool air enters through the roof louvers, absorbs accumulated indoor heat, and exits via the light wells. This design effectively reduces the building’s thermal load, decreasing the reliance on mechanical cooling systems and enhancing overall energy efficiency.
14ft Under Memorial
Architectural Design Studio 6 (Integrated)
Location: Hart Island, New York
Year : 2023
The 14 Feet Under Memorial honors those lost to the AIDS epidemic, particularly those buried anonymously on Hart Island, New York. This memorial reimagines traditional approaches by encouraging interaction and contemplation, blending architecture with public health advocacy to give visibility to AIDS victims who faced stigma and marginalization. As part of a collaborative effort, my group developed a mortuarium that addresses environmental concerns by exhuming and processing remains through eco-friendly Promession, transforming them into biodegradable ash. This ash is then integrated into the memorials across the island. My individual contribution, the 14 Feet Under Memorial, features 17 symbolic structures that rise from the ground, inviting visitors to reflect on the lives lost and the importance of remembrance, education, and compassion.
Hart Island, a burial site for many who died from AIDS, represents a history of stigma and anonymity. The 14 Feet Under Memorial transforms this narrative, honouring those buried there and providing a space for reflection and remembrance. Placing the memorial on the island ensures these individuals are acknowledged, turning a place of neglect into one of visibility and compassion.
Visitors arriving at Hart Island are greeted by 17 rising triangle structures, each representing an individual buried here during the early AIDS pandemic. These symbolic forms guide visitors from the ferry dock towards the main hall, which serves as a central gathering space. The main hall fosters remembrance and dialogue on HIV and LGBT issues, featuring exhibits, seating areas, and spaces for reflection. It provides a welcoming environment that encourages education and awareness, while honoring the lives lost during the AIDS epidemic.
Arrival
The Upper Gallery at the 14 Feet Under Memorial is a platform for advocacy and education, featuring exhibitions highlighting HIV and LGBT issues. The space is designed to promote awareness and inclusivity, showcasing art and multimedia installations and a dedicated video gallery with works by artists like Keith Haring. The 17 rising triangle structures, visible from the gallery, connect the exhibits to the broader memorial theme, reinforcing the narrative of remembrance and the ongoing fight against stigma and discrimination.
North-South Section
A steel ramp extends from the main hall, leading visitors to 17 rising triangle structures, each crafted from steel to symbolize individual victims buried 14 feet deep on Hart Island during the AIDS pandemic. This evocative design is a powerful tribute, honouring the lives and memories of those who faced stigma and were laid to rest anonymously, turning the memorial into a space of reflection and respect.
The initial underground area offers a glimpse of the coastline, establishing a poignant link to Greenwich Hospital, where the earliest AIDS patients received care. This architectural concept highlights the evolving landscape of the AIDS pandemic, emphasizing the need for ongoing awareness and reflection, especially in light of future challenges such as potential flooding. The design not only connects visitors to the history of the epidemic but also serves as a reminder of the resilience and continued efforts needed in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
This chamber, designated as a video gallery, showcases images from films advocating for HIV awareness, including works by Derek Jarman. This multimedia space is designed to heighten awareness and stimulate dialogue on significant HIV-related topics, using art and film to engage visitors in understanding the ongoing impact of the epidemic and the importance of advocacy and education in overcoming stigma.
At the core of the underground experience lies an ash chamber embedded in the ground, where those opting for interment in the memorial are initially laid to rest. On World AIDS Day, observed on December 1st, a poignant ceremony gathers the ashes, symbolizing the weight loss commonly associated with HIV. These ashes are then used for tree burials on the ground floor, creating a powerful and living tribute to those who have departed, merging their memory with the landscape in a vibrant expression of life and remembrance.
The Isolation Room offers a deeply immersive and solemn experience designed to reflect the isolation and fear endured by early AIDS patients. With its dim lighting and confined layout, the room evokes the emotional and physical solitude faced by those affected by the epidemic, encouraging visitors to connect with their struggles. This space is a powerful reminder of the profound impact of stigma and discrimination, fostering empathy and understanding through a personal, reflective encounter.
The Mortuarium is a private facility that prepares the deceased using Promession, an eco-friendly process that freeze-dries bodies into ash without toxins. This approach addresses erosion and contamination on Hart Island by exhuming remains and transforming them into biodegradable ash, which enriches the landscape. This method honours the deceased while providing a sustainable, dignified resting place integrated into the island’s ecosystem.
The Mortuarium
Ash Chamber
UNISA Health and Medical Clinic
Design Construction Multistorey)
Location: Adelaide CBD
Year : 2022
The project brief required the design of a contemporary building for UniSA that fosters a healthy and interactive environment for both occupants and the public. The first two levels accommodate the new UniSA Health and Medical Clinic, featuring open connectivity and welcoming spaces. Above the clinic, the upper floors are designed to be versatile, adaptable for use as office, teaching, and research spaces. The design employs a podium and tower typology, thoughtfully addressing environmental considerations through the inclusion of shading devices, optimizing natural light and enhancing energy efficiency throughout the building.
Facade Study
Ecumenical Hub
Architectural Design Studio 4 (Communications)
Location: Adelaide CBD Year : 2022
The Ecumenical Hub, located within the Adelaide Mosque in the heart of the CBD, serves as an inclusive space for people of all faiths and backgrounds. Its primary mission is to foster unity within the community, welcoming both believers and non-believers to share stories, learn from diverse cultures, and celebrate various customs and ceremonies. The design draws inspiration from the “Tingari Cycle” painting by First Nation artist Walter Jangala Brown, which symbolizes exploration and settlement—a theme that resonates with the history of Muslim cameleers in Adelaide.
The facade incorporates recurring shapes from the “Tingari Cycle,” reinterpreted at various angles alongside blade-like structures reminiscent of minarets, blending elements of Muslim architecture with First Nation culture.
The multipurpose and ceremonial space is central to the Ecumenical Hub’s mission of inclusivity, designed to accommodate a wide range of activities such as celebrations, ceremonies, reflection, and moments of grief. The space is deliberately free of religious symbols, specific layouts, or materials tied to any one faith, ensuring it is welcoming to all visitors regardless of their beliefs. With neutral tones, flexible seating, and soft natural lighting, the space provides a serene and adaptable environment suitable for diverse functions.
Stage Elevation
Facade Design
Diagrams
Ceremonial Space
The Open Gallery on the second floor of the Ecumenical Hub serves as a dedicated space to celebrate and showcase the history and culture of the First Nation community. This gallery features artworks, including intricate engravings created by local artists, which narrate stories of cultural heritage and values. The journey begins at the base of the staircase, where visitors encounter these detailed engravings, guiding them into the gallery and deepening their connection to the narratives on display.
Section 1
Ground Floor Plan
Open Gallery
North-South
The Garden Library Space
The Library Space within the Ecumenical Hub is designed with an organic approach, strikingly contrasting the building’s sharp exterior. The library features curved forms and timber finishes and a warm, inviting atmosphere that surprises visitors with its soft, fluid aesthetic. This design choice enhances the sense of comfort and symbolizes the hub’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. The library serves as a quiet retreat for reading, study, and reflection, with ample natural light filtering through strategically placed windows, creating a serene environment that encourages learning and introspection.
North-South Section 2
The Garden at the Ecumenical Hub is a vital element that embodies the principles of cultural respect, sustainability, and connection to the land. Planted with native species, the garden pays homage to the First Nation heritage, preserving biodiversity and promoting ecological health. Using native plants reflects a deep respect for the land and its traditional custodians. It provides a tranquil, natural setting for visitors to relax, reflect, or engage in quiet conversation. The garden is thoughtfully integrated with the building’s design, offering seamless access from the indoor spaces, including the multipurpose and ceremonial areas.
School Of Architecture
Architecture+Technology
Location: Adelaide CBD Year : 2023
The architectural school is designed to create a nurturing environment that inspires students, fosters social interaction, and encourages innovative design thinking. Located at the intersection of Hindley Street and Morphett Street, the five-story building covers approximately 1,550 square meters. It includes studios, seminar spaces, lecture rooms, staff offices, a ground-floor café, and gallery spaces to promote creativity and community engagement. Surrounded by other educational institutions, commercial buildings, and accessible public transportation, the school is strategically positioned to serve as a hub for learning and inspiration.
The building incorporates passive design elements such as optimal orientation, zoning, solar energy utilization, shading solutions, and rainwater harvesting, all contributing to an eco-friendly and inspiring atmosphere that supports both education and environmental stewardship.
Vision: The school aims to be more than just an educational facility; it aspires to be a vibrant center for creative exploration and community connection. Through thoughtful design and sustainable strategies, the building provides an inspiring and eco-conscious environment that encourages students to engage, innovate, and grow
Site Plan
Ground Floor Plan
Typical Floor Plan-
The central atrium is a defining feature of the architectural school, serving as a functional and symbolic heart of the building. It significantly enhances the interior environment by allowing natural light to flood the spaces, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The atrium’s design promotes better air circulation, improving indoor air quality and contributing to the building’s overall energy efficiency. By facilitating the stack effect, the atrium aids passive ventilation, drawing cooler air in and pushing warm air out, which helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without heavy reliance on mechanical systems.
Additionally, the open and spacious nature of the atrium fosters a sense of community and connectivity, encouraging interaction among students, faculty, and visitors. It acts as a dynamic hub where ideas can be shared, and creativity flourishes, making it a vital part of the school’s mission to inspire and nurture its occupants. The atrium’s integration of natural elements and thoughtful circulation patterns underscores the building’s commitment to sustainable design and enhances the overall educational experience.
The architectural school incorporates buffer zones strategically placed throughout the building to enhance its environmental performance and comfort. These zones serve as transitional spaces between the interior and exterior, providing thermal insulation and reducing the impact of temperature fluctuations. By acting as a thermal buffer, they help maintain a stable indoor climate, minimizing the need for mechanical heating and cooling. The buffer zones also improve acoustic insulation, reducing noise from the busy surroundings and creating a more conducive environment for learning and focus.
Central Atrium and Buffer Zones
Central Atrium and Buffer Zones
The dynamic facade system adapts to changing solar conditions and occupant preferences, optimizing energy efficiency by managing solar heat gain and reducing the need for artificial lighting and cooling. This facade enhances daylight utilization, thermal comfort, and overall environmental performance, contributing to the building’s sustainability goals.
Integrated louvre systems in internal walls facilitate natural ventilation and improve indoor air quality by directing fresh air and daylight deeper into the building. The louvres at the top of the atrium enable night purging, a process that uses cooler nighttime air to displace accumulated heat, further reducing the need for mechanical cooling and enhancing thermal comfort.
Solar Adaptive Facade
Louvre Systems
