Vivida Dorms: A Dynamic Australian Building Wrapped in a Gorgeous Metallic Skin

The dynamic Vivida dormitory in Hawthorn, Australia boasts a beautiful metallic skin that serves as a striking visual element while ensuring that the 194-bed building has superior thermal performance. The skin was a necessary response to a site that had great views but little shade or passive design, and it was approached by <a href="http://www.rothelowman.com.au/">Rothe Lowman</a> as something of an urban art project. Designed as an ideal environment for Swinburne University students, this gorgeous residential tower received a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_Energy_Rating">5 Star First Rate energy accreditation</a>.

This striking project is a dorm building in Australia

Vivida has 194 beds

The metallic facade looks different throughout the day

The dynamic skin also ensures the best thermal performance

Efficient lighting further enhances the project's sustainability

The building designed by Rothe Lowman received 5 Star First Rating

The project completely transformed an existing site sandwiched between a parking lot and an ugly old building

It has been modified to ensure maximum daylighting and shading when necessary

Care has been taken to ensure the project is student friendly

It has superior acoustics

And there is plenty of access to public transportation