Projects

Centrally located close to the vibrant Queen Victoria Markets, the Switch Student Accommodation at A’Beckett Street has been designed for inclusive, lifestyle-led student living.

The form of the 27-storey building considers its location on the edge of Melbourne’s Hoddle grid, contributing a refined silhouette to the city’s skyline. The tower section of the building combines bronze and glass blade mullions with finely-grained patterned concrete. The façade of the building’s podium takes its cues from surrounding heritage buildings, with deep articulated brick reveals and punched openings allowing for the play of light and shadow.

At ground level, the Hayball design included the widening and activation of the adjacent Electric Lane to improve the pedestrian ground plane experience, and to increase passive surveillance. Streetscape elements such as bifold windows and integrated seating help create a vibrant and activated environment.

Three different unit types – studios, twin occupation, and clusters – were designed for improved internal amenity and to maximise area. The public areas of the building are designed to create a sense of community, with co-living amenities such as a laundry, gym, cinema room, games zone, and a rooftop well-being garden and dining space.