The site was originally a Caravan park, comprising a number of amalgamated house lots. The site is unique in its oceanfront to lakefront location, stradling a narrow sand-spit penisula. The elongated nature of the site dictated a largely linear design response. The buildings are arranged in a regular rectilinear pattern to form a ""Dumbell"" arrangement with an internal 'shareway' connecting the 2 internal Public Courtyards, each with pools. The Project program was to create a ""Resort Like"" development. The design that evolved was configured as a 2 and 3 storey family of buildings, comprising 98 dwellings including townhouses and apartments. The final mix ranged from 90m2 2 bed apartments through to large 3 bedroom 200m2 penthouses. Conceptually the project has an underlying early modernist leaning, utilising white rectiliear masonry volumes, with large horizontal fenestration relating to the expansive views. The scheme is deliberatly cubic and ridgid in plan form, as a contast to the natural landscape design. The concept is for the Landscape to 'wrap' the buildings over time. The notion is a play on mans' ridgid and prescribed urban intervention upon a seemingly random and undiciplined natural landscape. Although the buildings are currently stark in contrast to the landscape, it is envisaged that the scheme's native elements may overtake in time. The colours for the project are those derived from nature. The off white walls mimmicking the white beach sands adjoining the site. Dark Grey blocks and black tones anchor the buildings in contrast to the off white volumes. The bright accent colours

are a reminder that the beach is somewhere that is fun/joyful and spirited. The simple flat roof forms are derived from a mixture of confirmation of the building height envelope, and to maintain maximise sight and view lines both from within and from outside the site for adjoining neighbours. This part of Merimbula is typified by a buildinfg stock of Holiday rental flats and small block apartments. The scheme continues this Building typology but in a new and uniform and more stately manner. The scheme employs a number of environmentally sustainable intiatives; - Northerly orienatation of most living areas, to gain maximum natural solar gain, - The use of LPG Gas for Hot Water and space heating/cooking is an unusual initiative(Merimbula has no town gas) - Recycling of stormawter through a central retention system. External blind systems to east and west orienations to reduce solar gain. - Natural cross ventilation for apartments and carparks. -System construction (Ultra floor and AFS walling)minmising the reliance upon timber formwork and associated building waste. Recycling of land material to minimise off site excavated waste. The project underwent several cost engineering evaluations in order to deliver the project as cost effectively as was possible in this regional context. The resultant complex provided a new benchmark for development on the South Coast by providing a development of exceptionally high standard and finish. Cars are largely relageted to basement areas and hidden form view, nature sunlight and beachside lifestyle are engaged in a direct and new way for multi unit development.