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True North, Maroochydore

True North is essentially a large beach house in an urban setting. In response to the site and climate, the design capitalises on the north orientation, running the building along the east-west axis.

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Client: Altum Location: Maroochydore

Description: Medium density residential building

Building size: Gross floor area 1,715m²

Site area: 1,525m²

Completed: 2010

Designer: Sparks Architects

Awards: 2013 Master Builders Sunshine Coast Residential Building (over 3 storey) Up to $20 million; 2013 Master Builders Sunshine Coast Excellence in Sustainable Building

Photography: Krista Eppelstun, Andrew Maccoll

Project overview

True North is essentially a large beach house in an urban setting. In response to the site and climate, the design capitalises on the north orientation, running the building along the east-west axis. The building comprises 15 apartments over 3 levels with carparking and servicing on the ground level. Although the site is dense, every opportunity has been taken to incorporate landscape with trees and planting at the ground level and climbing plants supported by a cable structure on the east and west facades. Each apartment opens to both the north and south enabling year round solar access and passive ventilation. Each apartment extends the internal living space into a generous outdoor living deck or garden.

The design encourages social interactions between residents by providing spaces to meet and chat.

Watch the following clip to take a tour of True North, meet the architect and residents and hear about how the house demonstrates the Sunshine Coast design principles.