Congratulations to Stewart Architecture for receiving the 2024 Sydney Ancher Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing.

The new Kashmir Apartments in Dickson set a new paradigm for medium density residential development by celebrating Canberra’s unique residential heritage and embracing the often-challenging Northbourne Avenue corridor.

Two residential towers are carefully composed on the site giving prominence to the iconic Anchor Mortlock Woolley “bachelor flats” and setting an example of how a once derelict building can be brought back to life.

Travelling along Northbourne Avenue the sinuous building forms provide a welcome sculptural relief to the streetscape and creates a memorable gateway effect upon arrival into Canberra’s city centre.

Floating above the solid podium, a delicate streamlined façade system undulates around the residential units, with bespoke operable screens that are simple to use and give physical expression to the residents’ daily rituals.

Movement through the complex is intuitive and highly amenable, with light filled entries connecting through both sides of the building, expressed stairways connect to typically hidden basement parking and circulation stairs and lift lobbies provide light and views to Mount Ainslie.

At roof level an expansive landscaped terrace provides curated spaces for residents to connect with each other, the city and country beyond.

Original post thanks to Australian Institute of Architects, ACT

Photographers:
@whitefallowstudios
@pjlilly
@murphstonemedia