As Smart Design Studio’s earlier headquarters, this project has special significance. Formerly two adjoining terraces with rear stables, Bourke 632 occupies a prominent corner position in Surry Hills. Comprising a 50m2 basement, a workspace at ground level and apartments spread across the two levels, plus the heritage listed stables, SDS were engaged by the new owners to refurbish the property to better suit their needs.
Expand ContentThe building is an upfront and honest layering of old and new, as expressed by the raw treatment of the exterior façade through to a smooth modern interior. Conceived as a contemporary steel and glass insertion within an existing masonry shell, the rooftop addition connects the double height glass banks of louvres with an articulated aluminium battened roof, which folds down as a screen to the back of the building. The addition of a lift provides functionality to this four-storey building.
The penthouse has a simple plan, with the living and sleeping spaces separated by an island pod which conceals the service spaces. The original parapet provides enclosure and privacy along the north and west walls, with operable louvres above. Below this, a narrow exterior planter and the interior walnut-lined bookshelves link the living and primary bedroom. The southern party wall provides hanging space for artwork, suspended over the entry stair, while also providing a linking element to the second bedroom. The living space itself, opens onto an east-facing terrace using full height fold-back doors for a seamless transition to the outside and view across the terracotta rooftops and chimney pots of Surry Hills. Sheltered by mature plane trees, the primary bedroom enjoys a private balcony with full height fold-back doors running the length of the western expanse.
Travertine flooring carries seamlessly throughout this apartment, with polished terrazzo used in the ensuite and bathroom. The folded roof plane, which boldly cantilevers over the old building and forms a screen to the eastern terrace, is expressed from within through the natural anodised aluminium battened ceiling. Steel framing is exposed throughout.
2006 Winner RAIA NSW Architecture Award Conservation & Adaptive Reuse Winner
2006 Winner RAIA National Architecture Award Heritage Finalist
2006 Winner RAIA NSW Architecture Award Commercial
2006 Winner Dulux Colour Award Residential Interior Design
