"WHAT is it?"
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"What do they look like inside?"
For the past five years, people who have driven past the Albert Street location and watched as the three towers were constructed have been talking, intrigued about what they would be used for.
Taree architect Dylan Wood, who designed them, has heard plenty of rumours.
"My favourite one was that it was for the courthouse," he said.
The truth, however, is less dramatic.
The towers, which each stand 11.5metres tall, are three, three storey units designed to house four people comfortably in a small space (just under 90 square metres).
"My big idea was a home that was quite compact but didn't feel it," Dylan explained.
"I'm interested in the idea that you can live in a small house but it's not something you just put up with for a couple of years until you can afford something bigger."
He and his young family will put it to the test themselves when the five of them move into the rear building upon completion.
The other units, separately owned by his parents and his brother, will be available for rent.
Dylan said the design concept was similar to the Suzuki House in Japan by architect Peter Wilson, which he first learned about while at university.
"In terms of world architecture it is closest to what you would see in Holland."
They are certainly unlike any other buildings in Taree.
His intention was to create something unique and move away from the traditional brick unit blocks that are common in the Manning.
"I got a bit carried away," said Dylan, who designed them seven years ago while still studying.
"I was a young architect and I had a lot of ideas in my head."
He said the development application submitted to Greater Taree City Council was "completely wild, but got through with no trouble."
In the end though, the finished towers are somewhat "tamer" than his original plans.
"It was not a sensible project.
"It's part of the fun though to do something you're not 'supposed' to do."
Business development manager at LJ Hooker Taree Stacey Sedlen is excited about the units, two of which will soon be available for rent.
"It's bringing Melbourne to Taree - it really turns 'standard' on its head," she said.
Creativity overcomes challenges
DYLAN Wood said his purchase of the block of land which now features the Albert Street towers, was almost by accident.
"I was looking at a place up the road and I looked at this block and it was so cheap I bought it instead."
He negotiated to have the DA approved before he bought the block of land.
"It was no risk."
When it came to the design process, the property presented a number of challenges.
"The diagonal driveway covers two sewerage pipes and a stormwater pipe cuts it off at the back," said Dylan.
"The block had been vacant forever. I think it was too scary.
"I thought that by building towers, you could actually have three houses here."
Dylan has extensive experience in architecture and worked with the multi-award winning Austin McFarland Architects for a number of years before the business relocated to Sydney.
He has also spent years working on his own system of furniture which joins together without any fixing (or need for tools).
The Albert Street Towers is his first major solo project and he enlisted experienced tradespeople, including Ben Mitchell from Ben Mitchell Carpentry (who has an industrial design background) in Taree and plumber Geoff McCarthy from Foreshore Plumbing in Forster.
The units were built using two concrete blade walls and a timber box made out of many sheets of plywood that effectively "hangs off" the concrete.
Dylan said the construction is secure.
"The direction and thickness of the sheets of plywood act as a counter-lever. You can't tear 60 sheets of plywood that way."
The kitchen is his design and features his interlocking joinery system.
"It is cost competitive and far superior in terms of quality."
He used camphor laurel timber for the staircases and joinery.
"It is cheap, and is a nice timber to work with and looks amazing."
The bathrooms have exposed copper piping, which adds to the character of the units.
Adding to the energy efficiency, external timber screening act to block the sun when required and the units are designed to naturally heat and cool slowly, with the design and materials used helping to even out the temperature with the variations of the day.
The units, all feature an exterior of timber and coloured panels.
A colourful carport at the front of the property is also a stand out.
lauren.green@fairfaxmedia.com.au