University Terraces Student Housing

This project creates a vibrant and active UNSW campus housing precinct along the central portion of Kensington’s High Street, facing the entry to the Royal Randwick Racecourse. The urban framework references the Randwick Council DCP controls and a series of draft masterplanning documents which propose new links, new uses and open spaces.

The aesthetic and environmental quality of the site is greatly enhanced by the magnificent row of figs along the northern boundary. At the corners of Gate 2 and Racecourse Walk, higher elements are incorporated highlighting active hubs below. Between these forms, a lower element of 4 storeys allows glimpses between High Street and the inward facing courts beyond. Light is allowed to pass through the canopies creating a sense of a more permeable and transparent frontage. The ground plane is activated with a number of specialty retail stores, providing convenient amenities to students on campus. The scheme was carefully considered to meet UNSW’s commitment to sustainable design, and ensures the vast majority of apartments receive very good natural daylight and sun access. Cross ventilation is achieved in the student hubs either naturally or through a system of solar stacks at the core of the building.