Conversations of Past and Present – Cubitt Street Tower by Pandolfini Architects

Set in the epicentre of Cremorne – an area characterised by a thoroughly diverse building stock of old red-brick warehouses, period worker’s cottages and newer office buildings – Cubitt Street Tower makes its presence felt as a sculptural insertion that gestures to both the area’s industrial past and professional present. Reflecting the creative energy and character within the vicinity, Pandolfini Architects negotiates a tight site with finesse.

Encompassing a high-end fashion showroom and six levels of office space above, as well as an outdoor terrace, Cubitt Street Tower sits confidently between a row of minute cottages on one side and a humble warehouse on the other. Seen from afar, the primary façade of hand-fabricated curved aluminium fins immediately intrigues. The aluminium fins result in a lively form bringing a new energy to Cubitt Street. They also establish privacy to the lower storeys before rising to an integrated planter box on level four, adding necessary greenery to the commercial building.

Gifted with sensational views of Melbourne’s nearby CBD and local landmarks – including AAMI Stadium, Yarra River and the Royal Botanic Gardens – Cubitt Street Tower’s expansive glazing serves to frame and emphasise this prospect, which acts as a continual reminder of place.

Upon entrance into the double-height foyer, the form and materiality of the bush-hammered concrete canopy capture attention. Here the surfaces add a tactile dimension to the building that echoes the raw texture of old industrial buildings prevalent in Cremorne. In counterpoint, the sleek fully glazed front façade illuminates the ground floor, giving a warm welcome to visitors. Gifted with sensational views of Melbourne’s nearby CBD and local landmarks – including AAMI Stadium, Yarra River and the Royal Botanic Gardens – Cubitt Street Tower’s expansive glazing serves to frame and emphasise this prospect, which acts as a continual reminder of place.

Playing a pivotal role in meeting the client’s needs in the context of the narrow site, from the inception of Cubitt Street Tower the architects worked closely with a team of local consultants who contributed firsthand knowledge of Cremorne’s environment and the opportunities it presented. The outcome is ample spaces for bicycles and spacious end-of-trip facilities. Careful consideration of the form and layout ensured a high level of functional internal amenities, and immediate access to existing infrastructure and services supports the sustainable and active lifestyle of the building’s users. A comprehensive solar system and heat recovery system further emphasise the building’s efficiency of operation.

Careful consideration of the form and layout ensured a high level of functional internal amenities, and immediate access to existing infrastructure and services supports the sustainable and active lifestyle of the building’s users.

Unexpected yet familiar, playful yet with a notable gravitas, Cubitt Street Tower offers a nuanced, thoughtful take on its typology. Standing proud in its diverse milieu, it’s a building setting an architectural standard for an area that is continuing to experience significant growth.