PHOTO: The 2024 Home of the Year | Boathouse Bay by Crosson Architects
In a historic first for the Home of the Year awards, a multi-unit project has clinched the top honor. Boathouse Bay by Crosson Architects not only showcases innovative architectural concepts but also embodies a community-centric ethos, a departure from the conventional narrative surrounding higher density developments.
As a traditional developer specializing in multi-unit constructions for sale, your role typically involves optimizing designs for efficiency through repetition. Engaging an architect to devise a single apartment prototype and replicating it multiple times streamlines design fees and construction processes, resulting in cost savings. However, this approach often leads to homogeneous and uninspired housing solutions, sacrificing quality and longevity.
Yet, against this backdrop, Boathouse Bay emerges as a groundbreaking example. Situated at the northernmost tip of Snells Beach, amidst picturesque surroundings of hills and coastline, this cluster of 33 residences defies the mundane stereotypes associated with apartments.
Previously occupied by a solitary dwelling, the site’s transformation was envisioned as a democratic connection to the beach, fostering inclusivity and community engagement. The design philosophy revolves around modulating repeated typologies to create a cohesive village cluster, characterized by dynamically arranged gables and a harmonious blend of materials.
Boathouse Bay’s meticulous planning extends from macro-level considerations such as master-planning to minute details like aggregate selection, resulting in a visually captivating and functionally cohesive environment. The irregular topology of the site naturally lends itself to a scattered arrangement of clusters, each strategically oriented to maximize ocean views or embrace the surrounding bushland.
Central to the project’s success is its unwavering commitment to fostering human connection and well-being. Simple yet effective design elements, such as open verandahs and communal garden spaces, encourage social interaction and create a sense of belonging among residents. The deliberate variation in unit sizes and profiles not only caters to diverse demographics but also contributes to a vibrant and inclusive community ethos.
Moreover, Boathouse Bay’s emphasis on individuality extends to its interior spaces, where each unit serves as a canvas for its owner’s unique personality. The project’s versatility and adaptability make it a strong contender across various categories, highlighting its potential for replication in different contexts.
Ultimately, Boathouse Bay stands as a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful design and community-centered development. By prioritizing human connection and well-being over profit margins, it sets a compelling example for future higher density projects, offering a blueprint for creating truly livable and sustainable communities.
SOURCE: HOME MAGAZINE