Anden

Nestled in Sydney's beachside suburb of Coogee, Anden seamlessly embues its artistic design with a deep sensitivity to its community and coastal context. This boutique multi-residential building is the result of a collaborative effort with our client, Central Element, alongside the interiors by Lawless and Meyerson and landscaping by Dangar Barin Smith. Our collective brief focused on ensuring the highest level of amenity for residents within both private and communal spaces, aiming to cultivate a residential experience of barefoot luxury.

Client Brief and Challenges At the heart of the Anden project lay a pivotal challenge: How to preserve the treasured character of its existing streetscape design whilst reimagining the future desired identity of the precinct. We addressed this by maintaining the original art deco facade that faces the street, while adding a contemporary wing to the rear of the site. This creates a seamless complement to the heritage design of the original structure. Anden’s plan takes the form of an intelligent ‘L’ shape, thoughtfully designed to capture the natural northern sunlight and envelop the interiors with light and ventilation. This unique design element gives birth to a central gathering place within—a sprawling communal oasis that unfolds through a series of tiered lawns, verdant garden corridors, and a delightful grove of cabbage tree palms. Key Features and Innovations • Sustainability and Wellness: o Photovoltaic panels o Solar access o Rainwater collection systems o Open stairwell offering a sustainable alternative to the lift o Communal wellness sanctuary with a yoga space, fully equipped gym, and an Italian-designed infrared sauna • Individuality and Community: o Fifteen apartments connected by interlinked and curated open landscaped spaces o Uniquely designed apartments, with only two ‘typical’ layouts, providing a distinct personality and sense of authentic homeliness for residents • Materiality: o Organic elements such as natural stone, marble, wood, concrete, and terrazzo o Detailing with sliced river pebbles and mosaic tiling, nodding to the textures of the beach shoreline, evoking a sense of contextual luxury internally Project Narrative Anden embodies more than just architectural preservation; it exemplifies the transformative power of design in fostering community coexistence with their surroundings. By maintaining its beloved existing art deco exterior, Anden not only preserves valued architectural character but also creates a substantial shared green space, anchoring its principles in eco-consciousness and personal wellbeing. The design seamlessly integrates the old and the new, ensuring that the building respects its historical context while addressing contemporary needs. The intelligent ‘L’ shape addition maximises sunlight exposure, enhancing the living experience. The central communal oasis provides residents with a serene environment to connect with nature and each other, reinforcing a genuine sense of community. Anden is a testament to how thoughtful design can overcome challenges and exceed client expectations. It stands as a beacon of sustainable and luxurious living, harmoniously blending heritage and modernity. By addressing the client’s brief and overcoming design challenges, Anden not only enhances the living experience of its residents but also contributes positively to the Coogee community and its coastal setting. This project underscores the importance of maintaining historical integrity while innovating for the future, showcasing how architecture can bring people together in a shared appreciation of their environment.