The Carlisle

The Carlisle is a boutique building of nineteen apartments in Sydney’s Rose Bay. A collaboration between MHNDU, Charas Constructions, Sprout Studio and Lawless and Meyerson interiors, The Carlisle’s design has been influenced by the architectural heritage of its surroundings, represented through the employment of thick masonry and curved external form.

Whilst conceived as a contemporary interpretation of the art deco style, The Carlisle keeps within the bounds of the delicate sensibilities of its Rose Bay context. It is designed to be ornamental enough to be of note yet harmonise with the pre-existing, art deco-inspired architectural diversity of its neighbourhood. Its streamlined curvature neither obnoxiously pushes the boundaries nor confines itself to imitative design. In this way, The Carlisle exudes a presence that seems to fit congruously into its urban pocket, projecting a sense of always having been there, yet injecting the dynamic design energy of modernity to the streetscape.

Structurally, the vertically proportioned brick elements provide a framework for large, protruding concrete balconies. The colouration of the brickwork suggests that it has grown out of the earth below as it transitions from a mixture of brown, red and blue bricks to off-white on the upper level. Inside, much consideration has been given to liveability and light exposure. Home-like in scale, each apartment’s interior layout is unique. Bedrooms reprise in standalone wings and large kitchen and living areas conjure a felt sense of spatial generosity. Views orienting to the garden offer the building’s residents aspects of nature, cultivating a calm ambience and connection to the natural world even when indoors. These glimpses of nature are complemented internally by the employment of natural materiality and a serene colour palette, tastefully curated by Lawless and Meyerson.

2023 Sydney Design Awards, Better Future, Silver

2021 Drive X Design Sydney Design Awards