Chasm

Applying vision to a void.

Despite having to adhere to the essence of a pre-existing permit, a powerful and coherent architectural response was created.

Chasm, render of a pale stepped building with recessed balconies seen from above a street

Chasm, two folded apartment blocks separated by a narrow vertical gap with people on the path

Architecture

By embracing a gap between the two buildings — the chasm — Hachem conceived a holistic design that provided a sense of arrival and became the key to a distinctive, aspirational development.

The two buildings appeared to have been carved from rock, suiting the sloping site. Materials were chosen to emphasise the concept: timber slats created a geological layer-like effect while concrete gave the exterior a raw and natural appearance.

Chasm, narrow sandstone gorge with a figure standing at its base

“A holistic design that provided a sense of arrival and became the key to a distinctive, aspirational development.”