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7 World Trade CenterEureka Tower
A mixed-use residential tower brings new density to Melbourne's suburban mindset.
Recently completed and standing 300 meters in height, Eureka Tower comprises 560 apartments and is one of the tallest residential buildings in the world. With a significant public observatory at its peak, the tower forms part of a complete city-block redevelopment in Melbourne on the edge of the river Yarra. The complex incorporates a hotel, boutique office space, showrooms, restaurants and parking facilities. These uses create vibrant connections between the lively river edge and currently separated precincts in this Southbank locale.
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Karl - Karl Fender, Director
Nicky - Nicky Drobis, Associate Director
David - David Sutherland, Director of Planning
Michael - Michael Fazzino, Director of Technology
Kathie - Kathie Hall, Director of Interiors
Originally, the site had a permit for two towers. The idea of stacking them created a statement, and also reduced the wind and shadow impacts. One innovation that allows this stacking was the development of a Liquid Tuned Mass Damper to limit horizontal accelerations caused by wind pressures and to ensure that the specified occupant comfort criteria were achieved without adding substantial cost to the project.
Designed to stand tall and interact with the neighboring Rialto Towers as a pair of sentinels to Melbourne`s river precinct, the towers share a similar glazing color and stepped form.
Built of reinforced concrete and adorned with gold-colored panels at the crown, Eureka Tower is a symbol of the transcendence of high density living over what has traditionally been the low suburban density mindset of Melbourne, heralding recognition of the need for a high-density approach to sustainability in our built environment.
Eureka`s double-glazed external skin minimizes heat transference while operable, pressure-sensitive windows facilitate natural ventilation. Cross ventilation is enhanced by the central exhaust system to bathrooms and kitchens consequentially reducing reliance on air conditioning. Water usage is managed with flow control taps, low-volume flush toilets, and efficient dishwashers. Apartments contain an I.T. backbone allowing tailored home automation systems for blind control, motion sensitive lighting, and air conditioning.
Natural sourced materials and plantation timbers were employed, with consideration given to life cycle, waste minimization, and low-emission materials. Recycling facilities are provided on each floor.
Formal name of project: Eureka Tower
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Completion Date: September 2006
Gross square footage: 123,000m2
Total construction cost: $300,000,000
Owner: Eureka Tower Pty Ltd
Architect:
Fender Katsalidis (Aust) Pty Ltd
70 City Road, Southbank, VIC, 3006.
Tel: (03) 8696 3888
Fax: (03) 9682 5925
www.fk-au.com/
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