Architects Johannsen & Associates Pty Ltd
Since 1988 AJA has delivering creative, progressive outcomes for projects in urban design, architecture and building interiors through a design ethos that synthesises investigation and technology with creativity and communication to achieve solutions that have a sustainable base to underpin later stages of project implementation. Focusing on quality output that can exceed expectations and promote design excellence, AJA balances client and community needs with environmental awareness and cost efficiency to develop project results that are contemporary and distinctive. Through this approach AJA has achieved wide recognition for its client services, achievements and awards in both public
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Projects:
City North Substation
corner Sussex and Erskine Streets, Sydney, 2010
The CNS project was the subject of a design excellence competition to achieve an architectural concept that would respond to the site’s CBD context, provide a durable and low maintenance envelope, and improve the urban domain of this precinct of Sydney with effective communication of the substation’s operation, and provision for streetscape improvements including display of static and digital art. City North Substation is the largest in Sydney, and its envelope has three basement floors and five levels above ground presenting a considerable bulk and visible presence in this location. To break down the façade a hierarchy of materials, layers and details were used that would be both robust and appropriate in this context, while providing a suitable palette to realise a design concept that could successfully engage with three street frontages, and present well when viewed from a number of surrounding commercial properties. Through a façade modulation and matrix configured around the functional elements of the substation, a ‘Mondrian’ inspired aesthetic became the source of an architectural expression for a dynamic and flexible design envelope that could be site responsive, portray a sense of the building’s function and convey an impression of the transformation of energy within and the transmission of power beyond via the distribution grid.
Harpa Apartments
Little Bay, 2008
Responding to its unique coastal setting and heritage listed neighbours in the former Prince Henry Hospital site, this boutique apartment complex by Stockland establishes a high quality precedent for contemporary living in the emerging residential village developed by Landcom. Harpa achieves a relaxed, environmentally friendly ambience for its residents, with generously scaled rooms and outdoor spaces, and varied coastal and park views from each of the 19 apartments. A range of robust architectural details and contextually inspired finishes complement a strongly modelled and visually dynamic envelope design that incorporates passive energy features such as naturally ventilated basement car parking, photovoltaic power generation and solar hot water.
Five Winds
Northbridge, 2008
For their site overlooking Middle Harbour, the clients’ brief was to maximise the aspect to a spectacular panoramic view, while accommodating the changing needs of their family. Space to relax and entertain was balanced by provision for privacy and intimacy. The five-bedroom residence was conceived as two pavilion-style wings joined at an entry stairwell that overlooks a central landscaped courtyard. Each wing provides separate parents and children’s zones for both living and sleeping. Responding to the form of the triangular site, the two pavilions run parallel to the side boundaries creating a compact front elevation which fans out to an expansive rear elevation that embraces the views. With the southern pavilion half a level above the northern pavilion, the building form follows the natural ground line of the site and enables the harbour view to be appreciated from both pavilions. Incorporating energy saving principles including natural cross ventilation, use of natural light, thermal mass, solar pool heating and rainwater harvesting with low maintenance, conventional building materials, the residence has been designed to provide contemporary and spacious living in an environmentally responsible manner.
