Project Introduction
City Collective was engaged to lead the design and planning for the Royal Kent Town Redevelopment, a transformative project positioned at the southeastern gateway to Adelaide. The development aimed to unlock the full potential of this strategic site by creating an inclusive residential precinct that seamlessly integrates with the historic Royal Hotel, local heritage, and the surrounding urban fabric. Central to the design was a focus on diverse housing options, high-quality amenities, and enhanced connections to the Adelaide Park Lands and CBD.
Key Project Challenges
The project faced several significant challenges. The site’s location at a busy intersection resulted in high traffic noise and an unwelcoming public realm. Additionally, the development needed to harmonise with the State Heritage-listed Royal Hotel, ensuring that the new construction respected its scale, proportions, and historic significance. Other obstacles included managing site constraints like the First Creek culvert and designing for a cohesive interface between bustling streets and quieter service lane.
Key Project Innovations
City Collective addressed these challenges through innovative design strategies. The project featured two offset towers, the “City Building” and “Hills Building,” each positioned to optimise natural light, views, and privacy. Ground-level spaces were activated with landscaped public forecourts, while podium designs incorporated high-quality materials and textures inspired by the Royal Hotel and Kent Town’s character. Vertical and horizontal elements were carefully articulated to create a cohesive yet modern aesthetic. The use of advanced materials, including stained concrete and perforated metal screens, further elevated the development’s sustainability and durability, achieving a 7.5-star NatHERS energy rating.
Client
Flagship
Location
Kent Town, SA, AU
Primary sector
Housing & Mixed-Use
Value
$80M AUD
Project years
2020 – 2022
Services provided
Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design
Project team
Project Director – David Cooke
Project Architect – Caroline Adams
Design Lead – Sam Wiechula
