Crone’s design for the Thornton precinct aims to achieve an iconic development signifying the establishment of Thornton Village Centre as a new vibrant precinct and the future of Penrith as a revitalised urban centre.

Our proposal for the mixed-use development, in collaboration with clients St Hilliers and First Point Property, consists of residential apartments, commercial office, retail space and car parking facilities. One of the key design principles of the project is to offer a suburban lifestyle and city living within the same scheme.

The proposed development uses a variety of aesthetic languages, united by a consistent material palette to express the different apartment typologies and building uses. Exposed concrete, pale brick and glass with metal detailing create a warm, light and textural palette. Landscaping is used to enrich the facade design through planter boxes as balustrades and climbing plants to the car park facades.

The buildings were designed with environmental sustainable principles in mind. Optimising access to sun and daylight, providing adequate ventilation to apartments, and large outdoor areas in the lower apartments were some of the key design drivers. Generous communal areas including pool and podium roof top gardens give residents the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors beyond their private terraces. A socially diverse and inclusive community is key to the success of the precinct in the long-term.