151 Toorak Road | Bird de la Coeur Architects

151 Toorak Road is a six-storey office building with a ground floor restaurant. It responds to its heritage neighbours with an innovative Flex Brick second-skin facade over a traditional carbon-neutral brickwork base. Careful analysis of the brick patterning on the former 1890s South Yarra Post Office opposite informed the facade design.

The primary motif is a striking patterned brick veil or brise soleil screening the building from western sun to reduce heat load and glare. Employed for passive climate control, the fully recyclable screen changes colour and pattern to respond to the local context.

With occupant well-being in mind, the double skin facade allows for ample user-controlled comfort, fresh air and natural ventilation while maintaining privacy. Landscaped outdoor spaces, including a large roof garden and a terrace facing Toorak Road, provide green outdoor breakout spaces. There is no reliance on fossil fuels and the building is gas free.