Altair is a development of 70 three-bedroom townhouses distributed across nine blocks with a focus on the quality of the public realm.
The majority of the dwellings have adopted the traditional three level townhouse model, with garages and third bedroom at ground level, a through-living level plan across the first-floor level offering both east and westerly aspect, with two additional bedrooms on the upper level.
All townhouses offer modestly sized private outdoor space and integral garages in either single or double tandem layout, accessed either from the main street frontage of from internal access lanes, with vehicle circulation separated from private and communal outdoor space.
The nine townhouse blocks are clustered around two larger north/south axial open spaces which provide common recreational space and amenity for residents.
Our design strategy was to divide the building bulk into nine discrete blocks, allowing for varying relationships along Rintoul Street and differentiation in cladding treatment. One block has private courtyards and direct pedestrian access from Rintoul Street with parking and vehicle access from a rear lane. The second block has separate vehicle access for each unit directly off Rintoul Street, with private courtyards to the rear.
The units within each block subtly step in and out to help break down the solid visual effect and provide a greater degree of privacy between the units.
Our scheme sought to establish a clear and traditional relationship to Rintoul Street along the eastern boundary with predominantly east/west oriented 'row style' townhouses facing the street, clustered around a number of landscaped open spaces. Various relationships to private outdoor space have been cultivated, with access to dwellings either across an entry yard space or with access directly from vehicle lanes offering private rear yards.
Client: Stratum Management
