Sirius Redevelopment
Sirius, a story of survival and adaption.
Retained, restored and reimagined, the skilful regeneration of this landmark building marks an exciting new era – Sirius is a beacon for enduring architecture and ambitious retrofit projects in Australia.
Saved from demolition by developer JDH Capital and BVN, Sirius is one of many Australian buildings to benefit from being redeveloped rather than knocked down and rebuilt. It may have been the more difficult and more expensive route to take, yet one that ultimately opens a new chapter for the much-loved building.
The original social housing project was designed by Tao Gofers for the NSW Government Architect’s office in the late 1970s and overlooks The Rocks district of Sydney Harbour. It is one of few surviving examples of Brutalist architecture in Australia, a style renowned for bold geometry, expressed concrete construction and iconic stature.
After an ambitious retrofit project led by developer JDH Capital in collaboration with BVN and Richard Crookes Construction, Sirius is an exemplar for sustainable urban redevelopment.
Harmonising old and new is the hallmark of BVN’s strategy for Sirius. Both JDH and BVN were united in the mission to retain the building’s architectural integrity, honouring the original façade, proportions and materiality.
Thoughtful interventions in the form of copper-clad ‘pods’ build on Sirius’ design language and are a modern interpretation of the concrete modules. Supported by prefabricated steel structures, these balcony extensions provide new outdoor living and capitalise on harbour views.
“Copper cladding distinguishes the additions from the existing building, offering legibility of Sirius’ original Brutalist expression, its history and evolution. The copper will age favourably over time, harmonising with the building’s rugged, signature concrete.” Principal, Phillip Rossington.
Alongside restoration of the building, the reimagined design concept prioritises linking Sirius back into The Rocks, via a new thoroughfare, public lift and the reintroduction of greenery across the site.
Laneways are reactivated with retail, small offices / home offices (SOHOs) and commercial spaces. A through-site link improves pedestrian access from Gloucester Walk to Cumberland Street, enriched with historic artefacts curated in collaboration with heritage consultants, Urbis. New landscaping along with a northern pocket park also provide communal open space and improved amenity.
CREDITS
BVN Team:
Phillip Rossington, Peter Titmuss, Sally Campbell, Vaughn Lane, Selina Qiu, Byron Sullivan, Anna Longmore, Andrew Buchanan, Gary Cai, Baran Ekinci, Sara Solaimanian, Adrian Mignot, Nafis Hassani, Jessica Cowie, Jesus Tang, Michelle Farman, Hannah Watt, Nirvan Basnet, San David, Daniel Cruddace, Ed Leong, Rana Abboud, Awais Anees, Mimi Weiss, James Paviour, Jan Christel, Jamie Don, Nathan Harry, Craig Burns, Chris Mury, Mitch Page, Ash Parsons, Tim Gibson, Tom Keeley-Reid, Louise Barbour, Jonathan Capparelli, Lucy Turnbull, Phillip Rowden, Yasmin Tamberlin.
