This 26-story tower combines a handmade brick skirt house (used for BIM training) with an organic roof design, merging old and new elements to reflect Sydney’s future character. It is a genuine mixed-use residential building, featuring 135 apartments, 86 boutique hotel sky view suites, 8 retail shops, and an F&B brand discount store.
The design incorporates a retail plaza beneath an 8-story site link, reactivating the historic Skittle Lane.
The design concept is deeply rooted in the historical context of the site. We carefully studied the proportions of arches and the building materials traditionally used in Sydney. The building features heavy brick masonry at its base, transitioning to finer, lighter materials toward the top.
Surprisingly, the use of traditional brick masonry has been met with enthusiastic positive feedback, which was truly encouraging for us. In modern urban centers, buildings often rely heavily on glass and steel, but there seems to be a renewed appreciation for integrating traditional methods back into city centers.
Inspired by nearby heritage buildings such as the Red Cross Society and the Andrew Brothers factory, both of which feature brick structures with arch elements, the design applies an even-numbered pattern to the building’s skin. This rhythm is reflected in the varied aesthetics of the podium and tower.
Just like the natural curves of Sydney Harbour and the brick structures of adjacent buildings, the materials and details of the entire project are complex and authentically reflect Sydney’s history.
Unlike most flat-topped buildings in Sydney, this tower explores the potential of open roofs. Our design aims to promote Sydney’s renowned outdoor lifestyle, marking the first time a high-rise residential building has broken this convention.
We encourage cities and clients to transform rooftops into public amenities rather than private spaces, adding significant value. Imagine a city where people can escape urban life by visiting rooftop spaces — a place to socialize, engage with building facilities, and reshape the urban environment.
The tower’s organic arched rooftop stands out amid its surroundings, while the curved roof design visually connects the tower to the sky.
The rooftop opens a new dialogue about activating both above-ground and sky levels in future urban environments. Standing beneath the arched roof, you can enjoy Sydney Harbour as the stunning backdrop of the cityscape.
The curved arched roof elegantly connects you with the organic wave lines and natural surroundings of Sydney Harbour, blending architecture and environment seamlessly.
Drawings
Environmental Plan
Second Floor Plan
28th Floor Plan
Sectional Views
Roof Arch Structure Details
Detail Drawing
Project Information
Architect: Koichi Takada Architects
Address: 161 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Category: Residential Buildings
Building Area: 17,400 m2
Project Year: 2018
Photographers: Tom Ferguson Photography, Martin Siegner
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