BVN tops Sydney’s brutalist Sirius building with copper-pod extensions

Structure studio BVN has retrofitted the Nineteen Seventies brutalist Sirius constructing in Sydney, Australia, and prolonged it with a collection of copper-clad pods.

The studio renovated the distinctive, brutalist housing venture positioned close to Sydney Harbour, which was designed  in 1979 by Dutch architect Tao Gofers.

BVN a contest to revamp the constructing in 2019 following a marketing campaign to reserve it from demolition. The renovated constructing comprises 75 trendy residences, together with wellness amenities and street-level retails.

The unique facade was retained and restored with a brand new extension distinguished from the unique concrete exterior with copper cladding that nods to its modular design.

“Copper cladding distinguishes the additions from the present constructing, providing legibility of Sirius’ authentic Brutalist expression, its historical past and evolution,” stated BVN principal Phillip Rossington.

“The copper will age favourably over time, harmonising with the constructing’s rugged, signature concrete,” he added.

The redevelopment goals to prioritise the constructing’s connections to the encompassing neighbourhood.

Limitations had been eliminated between the positioning and The Rocks district the place it resides. At road degree, retailers and a through-site pedestrian path embellished with historic artefacts had been added.

In accordance with the studio, the retrofit is an instance of how architects may look to revitalise present buildings moderately than demolish them.

“Revitalising constructed infrastructure, as a substitute of resorting to demolition, is essential for sustainable city improvement,” stated Rossington.

“By preserving and reimagining buildings similar to Sirius, we honour their historical past, scale back waste, and create vibrant, memorable areas that join previous and future generations.”

Sydney’s Sirius constructing goes on sale for £75 million amid heritage register controversy

BNV additionally designed the vast majority of the interiors. It created a complete of 26 house varieties to accommodate trendy luxurious dwelling, similar to split-level residences and amalgamated residences.

Heat tones of timber, stone, and metals are used all through the residences, contrasting the constructing’s tough exterior.

The timber-lined Phillip Room has been restored as a communal space for residents on the bottom flooring, which options the restored timber bison artworks by architect Penny Rosier.

“Our method to the inside design takes cues from the energy of the constructing’s authentic design,” stated BVN principal Sally Campbell.

“Supplies chosen for longevity complement the concrete and copper, and play on the distinction between uncooked and polished to create very tactile areas.”

Sirius was offered to JDH Capital for AU$150 million in 2019, following the controversy of the New South Wales Authorities’s resolution to refuse its heritage itemizing in 2017, in opposition to the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales.

Based in 1997, BVN now has studios in Sydney, Brisbane, New York and London. Their Quay Quarter Tower in Sydney designed along with Danish studio 3XN gained one of the best tall constructing on the Council on Tall Buildings and City Habitat’s annual awards for 2023.

They’re additionally at the moment designing the Sydney headquarters of expertise firm Atlassian with SHoP Architects, which they declare would be the “world’s tallest hybrid timber constructing” when accomplished.

The pictures is by Bryn Donkersloot.

Venture credit:

Developer: JDH CapitalInterior design of choose areas together with penthouse, foyer/mailroom, communal pool and fitness center: Kelly HoppenBuilder: Richard Crookes ConstructionsHeritage consultants: UrbisLandscaping: 360 DegreesConsultants: DEDICO Growth Providers, SCP Consulting, Traffix, MGAC, Floth, Holmes Fireplace, Phillip Chun