Carnegie Mixed-use is a proposal for a five storey building on a tight site in the Carnegie Activity Centre, containing two double level apartments and two office tenancies. It is a carefully considered response to the site and its context – a neighbourhood that is in transition and undergoing intensive redevelopment. The proposal has been designed as a good neighbour within both the existing context, and, in anticipation of the emerging context as new developments are built around it. It has been designed to fulfil the aspirations of the Glen Eira Planning Scheme with regard to urban form and density, and will make a positive contribution to the street and the local community, setting a high benchmark for development proposals that will follow in its wake.

Due to the irregular battle axe shape of the site, with its narrow ‘snorkel’ element fronting Neerim Road, the podium element consists of a long ground level entry to the building, whilst the 5 level tower form is set back behind the two storey shop at the north-west corner of the site. As the proposed building will be prominent within the neighbourhood until surrounding sites are also re-developed, the building has been designed to be experienced ‘in the round’, providing variety and visual interest to different viewpoints and orientations.

The building is wrapped in an irregular, ‘Mondrian’ grid of contrasting grey toned render which consolidates the stepped massing and the facade system into a coherent architectural language. The facade system anticipates future development on adjacent sites but provides an elegant, articulated finish in the interim. Sliding, screen panels from bronze coloured mesh are located on the north and south facades, offering a level of animation as well as contrasting tone and texture to the grey rendered finish.