Like a compendium of stories, this apparently simple multi-residential building gradually reveals a series of ideas that are both individual and unique, yet combine to deliver a satisfying whole. At Sydney 385, a building of ten apartments in Balgowlah, our aim was to make exemplar infill architecture. The result is a building that optimises the virtues of its site: a sunny, urban outlook in one direction and a leafy view towards the Pacific Ocean in the other.
Expand ContentA façade of solid brickwork patterned with seemingly random openings envelops the building. The double-height openings on the terrace correspond to external double-height balcony spaces that offer a unique spatial dynamic to the internal living spaces and invite sunlight deep into each home.
Inside, the walls and soffits of the apartments are expressed in off-form concrete. This raw materiality gives durability and unique character to the interiors while honestly revealing the thermal mass that stabilises the temperatures of these air-conditioning -free cross ventilated apartments. To maximise the visibility of this textured raw material, the interior spaces are arranged to flow around a central joinery-clad pod containing the kitchen, bathrooms and storage. This arrangement also lends a sensation of spaciousness, emphasised by lengths of track lighting running parallel to the long perimeter walls.
An intensive process of coordination and planning with structural and services designers was required to ensure concrete could be exposed and services concealed. This resulted in in-situ slabs and tilt-up concrete walls used to deliver the desired finish for the required budget.
The building’s masonry façades on the lower levels are topped by a lightweight metal-clad box, set back from the street to enable expansive, sunny terraces for the two penthouse apartments.
The palette of the apartments is confident and restrained. Complemented by matte black fittings and full-gloss cream joinery, the architectural palette is classically modern and poses a significant departure from the white plasterboard interiors of many multi-residential developments.
In playful contrast, the common circulation areas are bold and bright. Here, concrete floors, soffits and walls are enlivened by joinery panels in individual colours to distinguish each floor.
2016 Winner AIA NSW Architecture Award Multi-Unit Residential
