This development of 120 NRAS student studio apartments occupies a prominent site on the city-side of the UTAS Inveresk campus, facing across the North Esk River towards the Launceston CBD. Our proposal, in joint venture with BVN, reflected both the past industrial heritage of the site and the future possibilities of innovative timber construction methodologies that could provide a model for value adding in the Tasmanian timber industry. Our design sought to address the ever-present flood risk that building alongside the North Esk River encompasses by elevating habitable spaces above the 100 year flood level and creating landscaping that allows and encourages entry at the first floor level. The location of the development also makes it a ‘gateway’ project for the Inveresk campus, especially in light of the proposed new pedestrian link which would make this development the first campus building that is encountered on approach from the city, and our design responds to this with a striking, articulated and interesting facade.
