The proposal is for the sensitive upgrade and revival of an original Harry Seidler- designed apartment building. This high-profile and visually prominent building, designed in the 1960’s, requires upgrade and repair to meet contemporary building code compliance standards, to ensure its structural integrity and to implement general built fabric improvements to safeguard its longevity.

Penthouse apartments are proposed for the top of the building, the architectural language of which are consistent with the language of International Style Modernism, the style in which the original building was built, of which there are very few good examples remaining in Sydney. The proposal seeks to reinforce the ‘egg crate’ expression of the East Elevation with the reinstatement of balconies, which were an original feature of the building and have subsequently been filled in over time. The balconies will add depth to the façade, with the consequent shadow play adding visual interest and rhythm to what is a currently a flat, characterless elevation. The intention is to clad as much of the new upper levels in glass as is practicable, in an effort to dematerialise the existing building bulk and the new additions.

Arguably, the addition of two additional levels to the top of the building reinforces the building’s slender cross-sectional profile, thereby further diminishing the perceived bulk of the building in the streetscape.