The new UTS Student Housing Tower rises above the existing UTS DAB Building 6 Podium. The 13 storey tower accommodates 720 student beds in a GFA of 19,200 msq. A building envelope approval for the tower was obtained when the podium was built in the late 1980s. The western facade overlooking Harris Street is populated with studio accommodation which provides a very regular plan across an expansive facade at 120 meters long. The challenge was to design a facade that modulated the scale, met environmental standards and presented a contemporary image. The final approval required was the Harris Street facade for which the City of Sydney had a review role and the Department of Planning the approval role. A precast concrete panel system had been chosen by the builder in this D & C procured building as it removed the need for scaffolding as well as for ease of construction. A series of fenestration patterns was tested for rhythm, structural capacity, glass area and composition. The preferred pattern was rationalized to be composed of 3 panel types. Each panel type was subtly colored in muted shades of warm grey.