Development approval has been granted for a $500 million mixed-use tower in Sydney’s east. A joint venture between Lendlease and Mitsubishi Estate Asia, the One Darling Point project has been designed by local architecture practice Tzannes.
Located on the boundary between Darling Point and Edgecliff, the development is proposed on the site of a 1941 heritage-listed Commonwealth Bank building.
The 17-storey proposal includes 41 premium apartments with interior design by Alexander and Co., as well as 15 percent floor space dedicated to affordable housing for key workers, whose interiors have been designed by Tzannes. In addition, the development includes commercial office space, ground-floor retail and hospitality offerings, a rooftop pool and a wellness centre.
According to a release from the practice, the project sets a precedent for the sensitive integration of premium residences with affordable housing.
Tzannes associate director Yi-han Cao said, “More people now want to live in well-designed apartments, and we believe everyone should have access to design excellence regardless of tenure or price point.”
“This is a model for how Sydney – particularly the eastern suburbs – can evolve, delivering housing diversity while maintaining the quality that defines this area,” he added.
Tzannes’ design approach for One Darling Point “was to design a building that entirely belongs to its place,” drawing inspiration from the pre- and post-colonial history of the site.
The building’s curved facade is intended to reflect the sand dunes that once featured prominently, while brick was selected for its material longevity and to complement the post-colonial architecture of the area.
At the podium level, the proposal responds to the rhythm and materiality of the adjacent heritage building, while the tower above is articulated to reduce visual bulk and capture natural light.
The development makes use of the NSW government’s planning incentives to boost low-income housing, including bonus height and floor space allowances, which were introduced in 2023. Cao said these incentives provide a critical opportunity to reframe urban density.
“Height isn’t just about delivering more apartments,” he said. “It’s about making viable models for mixed tenure housing. The challenge is to ensure design quality doesn’t drop as we increase yield. That’s where architects can play a meaningful role.”
To this point, Cao noted that “it can be difficult to make the inclusion of social and affordable housing viable, particularly in locations where land costs are high and construction costs and complexities are significant.”
“We’re constantly applying our research and experience to prove good design is feasible. I predict many projects will remain on the edge of feasibility unless some roadblocks to approval are relaxed or stronger incentives for affordable housing are implemented,” he said.
According to Tzannes’ communique, “Projects like One Darling Point, while premium in nature, establish a precedent for well-designed higher density in traditionally low-rise areas” and could invite more inclusive housing outcomes in future.
“If density becomes more acceptable in these locations, it becomes easier to deliver housing diversity in the next generation of projects,” Cao said.
Construction on One Darling Point is expected to commence in 2026.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
