21 Cityside Circuit is a new, four level commercial and mixed-use building in the fast-growing suburban centre of Merrifield City. The development will house office spaces, a gym, childcare facilities and medical suites. Our design sits naturally in the surrounding environment and native grasslands, and showcases innovative sustainable design solutions, being 100% electric with an abundance of natural light and sustainable materials.
21 Cityside Circuit is part of a long-term vision to evolve and develop the town centre for the Merrifield community. This commercial hub will sit within the ensemble of buildings which make up Stage 1 of the development: Merrifield City, a shopping centre we designed which was completed in 2021, and Merrifield Swim School.
At the ground level, a plinth will be clad in sand blasted concrete, bedding the building into a landscape of native planting. Large trees surrounding the building will honour its verticality and integrate it within the larger site which is scattered with native River Red Gums.
The materiality of 21 Cityside Circuit echoes the surrounding landscape. We’ve chosen a metal cladding with an exaggerated corrugation which will be punctured with shaded windows, providing ample daylight into the interior. The southern elevation is glazed above the ground floor, inviting views into the interior and a connection with the programs of the neighboring buildings.
The interior materials concept also responds to the colours of the surrounding natural landscape. We’ve selected spotted gum timber battens for the entryway soffit and lobby ceilings, and fibre cement and acoustic panel cladding materials in soft greens and straw colours.
Environmentally sustainable design strategies are celebrated rather than concealed, with a 100kw solar array on the roof and a 20,000 lite rainwater collection tank connected to all the toilets and irrigation system. Passive design strategies are also employed, with at least 50% shading to north, east, and west facing windows.
