A design submitted by world-renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, in collaboration with Koichi Takada Architects, has been chosen as the latest addition to Crown Group’s Waterloo development.

Forming part of a five-building development in Waterloo which also includes three buildings designed exclusively by Koichi Takada Architects and a building designed by Sydney-based architects Silvester Fuller, the 19-storey tower will feature a cantilevered infinity-edge rooftop pool, gym and community room with a plant-filled, green exterior designed to emulate a stacked forest.

“The upper volume of the tower seamlessly transforms into the lower part of the stepped terraces in order to create an intimacy between the building scale on the street level,” says Kuma.

“Eaves wrapping the façade becomes a vertical urban forest by having vegetation on each eave. These strategies will blur and soften the profile building, and give a whole new image of the W48 precinct of Waterloo.” 

Renowned for his designs which show respect for tradition while considering the needs of the future, Kengo Kuma recently designed the 2020 Olympic Stadium Tokyo and the internationally acclaimed V&A museum in Dundee, Scotland.

“It is my honour to work alongside Kuma sensei, the Japanese master of architecture. It is a dream come true,” says Koichi Takada, director of Koichi Takada Architects. 

“I drew on an idea of ‘green luxury’, finding inspiration in nature. Each building is designed with a ‘human touch’ to express its organic and distinct architectural character.” 

According to Crown Group chairman and CEO Iwan Sunito, the collaboration between Kengo Kuma and Koichi Takada is a world first.

 “Kengo Kuma and Koichi Takada each have their own unique style and ethos, which fit with Crown Group’s desire to push the boundaries of design. Both architects have proven to be leaders in their field, renowned for their creativity. I feel the collaboration will lead to something new and unique for Sydney.”