Arkadia is an important development, setting the benchmark for sustainability in Alexandria and Sydney’s built realm. The design team comprised DKO Architecture, Breathe Architecture, and landscape architects, Oculus.

This project fosters community, social interaction, and neighbourhood integration. Developed for Defence Housing Australia, this multi-residential complex is the largest recycle brick building in Australia. These recycled bricks were selected as the main material for the building to reflect the history of the site as a brickfield.

Breathe Architecture visited Sydney pre-pandemic for an intensive weekend of community consultation to gather information about local residents’ most and least favourite things about the area. As a result of this feedback, the design of the building was oriented to create a solid wall to Sydney Park Road to block out traffic noise and pollution, and a more porous opening out onto Huntley Street, with the creation of parks and communal areas that give back to the community. Landscape architecture practice Oculus designed the project’s green spaces, using BEGA’s 88100 Pole-Top Luminaire. The symmetrical light distribution is ideal for illuminating squares, plazas, and other open areas with minimal upward light distribution as not to disturb residents at night. The high energy efficiency of the luminaire is also in line with the project’s sustainability ethos.

The original intent of the designers was to create a building that enables residents to connect with nature. As DKO Principal, Koos de Keijze mentions: “We are interested in the concept of everyone having a garden, even those who live in apartments. Studies show that having a garden and green space is good for your mental health.”