SEPP 65 - Apartment Design Guide

04 I BuildingPerformance criteria4C-1Building facades provide visual interest along thestreet while respecting the character of the localareaAcceptable solutions1. Design solutions for front building facades mayinclude:• a composition of varied building elements• a defined base, middle and top of buildings• revealing and concealing certain elements• changes in texture, material, detail and colourto modify the prominence of elements2. Building services are integrated within the overallfacadeFigure 4C.3 Building articulation such as balconies and deeper windowreveals provide visual interest to the facade3. Building facades have appropriate scale, rhythmand proportion to the streetscape and humanscale. Design solutions may include:• well composed horizontal and vertical elementsvariation in floor heights to enhance the humanscale• elements that are proportional and arranged inpatterns• public artwork or treatments to exterior blankwalls• grouping of floors or elements such asbalconies and windows on taller buildings4. Building facades relate to key datum lines ofadjacent buildings through upper level setbacks,parapets, cornices, awnings or colonnade heightsFigure 4C.4 The terracotta tile cladding used on this building contrasts withthe white framed balconies and roof line, adding visual interest5. Shadow is created on the facade throughoutthe day with building articulation, balconies anddeeper window revealsPerformance criteria4C-2Building functions are expressed by thefacadeAcceptable solutions1. Building entries are clearly definedPhoto: Studio GL2. Important corners are given visual prominencethrough a change in articulation, materials orcolour, roof expression or increased height3. The apartment layout is expressed through facadefeatures such as party walls and floor slabsFigure 4C.5 Changing facade materials, building articulation or heighteffectively highlights prominent cornersDRAFT | Apartment Design Guide I September 201481