The former Imperial Hotel in Chippendale has remained virtually untouched since its construction in 1884. The dilapidated building, now programmed as a boarding house, is crying out for a restoration that puts it back on top as a triumphant corner building. The current owners came to GSBN with plans to accommodate a larger number of residents whilst upgrading the building to modern standards.

Our proposed floor plan layout cleverly makes use of a clear north/south aspect on upper floors, giving each new room views to the city as well as crucial cross-ventilation. Then, with an aim to encourage further social interaction and a sense of community between tenants, the circulation of the building sees perimeter covered walkways doubling as shared outdoor space. Sliding screens provide inhabitants with control over privacy, solar access and noise intrusion creating a constantly shifting facade.