make architects completes curved ‘glulam’ timber structure walkway in melbourne

make architects has completed the link, a walkway for vicinity centres at chadstone shopping center in melbourne, australia. designed to connect the mall, which is the largest in the southern hemisphere, with the newly opened hotel chadstone melbourne, mgallery by sofitel, the link is a serene walkway that replaces part of a multi-level car park and creates a more accessible, engaging entrance to chadstone.

images by peter bennetts, courtesy of make architects

spanning 110 meters and stretching up to 15 meters high, the link by make architects blends the internal and external environment. inspired by the arched glass roof that is iconic to the chadstone shopping mall, the structure is formed from a curved ‘glulam’ timber structure with a tensile, semi-translucent PTEE fabric stretched over to protect visitors from weather, yet still connect them to the outdoors.

‘the link is easily and highly adaptable, it has been designed for effortless maintenance and to stand the test of time, to integrate different uses and to itself be used for different things now and in the future,’ says jacob alsop, partner at make architects. ‘it was delivered in an extremely tight timescale and we are delighted with how it combined european craftsmanship with australian expertise to deliver a space that works perfectly for this location.’

the simplicity of its materials hides the complexity of the italian larch timber diagrid structure which acts as a harmonica, where each element holds the others position, albeit supported by hidden steel foundations. the other features are below eye level, ensuring the celebration of the scale of the architecture. landscaping, stairs and travellators have been carefully placed to create areas to dwell, relax, as well as space for a new restaurant and flexible areas for different events.

‘we’re very proud of what we’re creating as chadstone evolves to become a world-class, integrated destination for retail, dining, entertainment, tourism, business and now luxury accommodation,’ comments fiona mackenzie, chadstone director. ‘the link has enhanced the amenity for the more than 24 million people who move between our tower one offices, hotel chadstone and the retail precinct every year.’

project info:

name: the link

design: make architects

location: melbourne, australia
status: built
service: architecture
sector: retail
area: 1,100m²/11,840ft²
client: vicinity centres