Summary
Highlights
Kino Holland, Design Director at Fieldwork, introduces a three-year-old apartment building project in North Fitzroy. The focus of the presentation is a custom-designed bifolding aluminum shutter detail, developed in collaboration with the builder and contractor, which has proven highly effective and durable over time.
The apartment building is located at 2-4 St George's Road South, North Fitzroy. The site presented several challenges, including a noisy and harsh environment adjacent to a busy road and a petrol station, and a predominantly west-facing facade. The design was inspired by 1960s walk-up apartments with external circulation, which foster a sense of community.
To address the square site and maintain the benefits of single-loaded arrangements, the building's linear concept was wrapped around a central external staircase and a pocket of landscape. This design allows most apartments to have cross-flow ventilation and light from two sides, with external circulation spaces becoming community areas.
The bifolding operable aluminum screens wrap around the entire perimeter of the building, allowing it to be highly responsive to climatic conditions. Observations show the western facade is often closed in summer, confirming the necessity and effectiveness of operable shutters in the Melbourne climate for blocking harsh western sun while southern and northern facades adjust as needed.
The expanded aluminum mesh used for the shutters has a unique three-dimensional 'fish scale' quality, creating its own shade. A custom version of this material was developed to optimize solar penetration and shading. The material also pixelates the external view, making an otherwise unappealing context (busy road, petrol station) appear more abstract and beautiful, while maintaining the ability to open completely.
Initial aspirations aimed for a continuous, seamless surface when the shutters were closed. Off-the-shelf shutter systems couldn't accommodate the mesh or achieve the desired seamless closure, leading to the development of a custom system. This involved custom profiles for the shutters, a unique track system, and a custom hinging mechanism to ensure smooth, seamless operation.
A significant challenge was finding a satisfactory locking mechanism that provided security and stability without rattling in the wind. High-tech options were unsuitable, leading to a simple, low-tech solution: a rubber strap (similar to those used on pickup trucks) fixed to the shutters with bolts along the rail. This system offers the necessary strength and flexibility.
The building's dynamic facade changes based on occupant needs, proving very effective thermally with a 10-degree temperature drop on closed balconies facing west during hot days. The mesh allows for beautiful breezes, providing shading without preventing airflow. This, combined with the pixelated views and privacy control, contributes to the shutters' success and frequent use by residents. The project has settled well into its context, with established landscaping and a new restaurant.