Scape Kensington

Student life is busy, overwhelming, and full of discovery. Our job was to design a living experience that supported all of it. At the heart of this project was connection. We looked closely at how architecture could bring people together, with a focus on shared living, communal spaces and the movement between buildings.

We wanted every layer of this development to connect students with surrounding neighbourhoods too, as the project would contribute to the broader transformation of Anzac Parade and the urban corridor from Kensington to Kingsford (KEKI).

Our design for the tower connects students with each other, and the street’s rhythm below.

The accommodation works hard to create spaces where students can find balance. From spaces to retreat, places to gather, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Study nooks, shared kitchens, and open lounges provide living flexibility. While biophilic design principles, natural ventilation and efficient systems ensure students feel at their best.

Outside, the scalloped façade takes inspiration from the sky, and a vertical green spine leads upwards to landscaped roof gardens. At ground level, an arched brick podium frames retail and communal uses, spilling out into a new public plaza, integrated laneways, and a walkable, mixed-use neighbourhood.

Holistically, it transitions in scale from the civic character of Anzac Parade to the finer grain of the residential area, embedding the building in its civic context. The project contributes to the local community with the addition of a community hall. Public art enhances the civic experience, with Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie's Totemic installation.

In many ways, Scape Kensington doesn’t feel like student accommodation. It feels like a place you’d want to spend time in. It proves that student living can be thoughtful, beautiful and meaningful. Designed for real people who enjoy vibrant city living.