Location: Sydney, Australia.

Architect: Allen Jack+Cottier (AJ+C).

Polaris is a new benchmark in multi-residential housing, using the arc of the sun’s rays to define the crystalline form of the building envelope. It reflects AJ+C’s approach to creating buildings that are creative, sustainable and innovative. The location of the building, amongst glazed commercial towers and in a prominent location at the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Berry Street, gives rise to the commercial appearance of glazed curtain walls and window walls. The winter gardens along the Pacific Highway will improve acoustic privacy from traffic noise, and the public domain is enhanced by the development of Doohat Lane, connecting Berry street to Doohat Street. All units include at least 50% of required storage area.

The North Sydney commercial area consists of mid and high-rise commercial and residential buildings, and Polaris has been designed to sit comfortably in both the existing and future urban fabric. It employs multiple sustainability initiatives, such as a BASIX water target of 40% and an energy-reducing target of 20%. It also achieves the BASIX requirements for thermal comfort and compliance with Section J. Polaris achieves 66% of direct solar access for a minimum of two hours daily, and corner apartments and penthouse units comply with cross-ventilation needs.