Evelyn Reynolds

Construction is underway on a 50-storey tower that will soon rise above Sydney’s 127-year-old former City Tattersalls Club building on Pitt Street.
The $800 million project involves refurbishing three existing state heritage-listed buildings designed by Sheerin and Hennessy – including the former Tattersalls Club building (1891) – and establishing a contemporary tower above. The development, named Sydney House, will accommodate 241 residential units in the tower, as well as a 135-room hotel, commercial spaces, retail tenancies and “high-end” dining offerings in the podium.
BVN and FJC Studio have collaboratively handled the project design. BVN was engaged to design the new 50-storey tower after winning a design competition for the project in August 2020, while FJC Studio was appointed before the competition began to oversee all heritage design aspects of the redevelopment.

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As highlighted in a communique detailing BVN and FJC Studio’s design vision, the new tower is intended to have a distinct yet complementary identity to the three heritage buildings. The statement notes that the cantilevered form of the residential tower creates the impression that the tower is “hovering effortlessly above the hotel podium.” According to the designers, the decision to position the new structure with an offset to the existing buildings allows each new volume to develop its own character while ensuring that the heritage facades remain the primary focus at street level.
The tower features a scalloped fenestration inspired by the arched windows on the existing heritage facades. Principal of BVN Phillip Rossington said the contemporary reinterpretation of these arched details “subtly links the forms while also delineating new from old.”
“This complementary approach enriches the reading of the heritage buildings, so they’re appreciated in a new light.”

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As part of the project, FJC Studio will restore and adapt the interiors and facades of the three heritage buildings. Additionally, they have designed a new contemporary infill building, which will sit between the existing buildings and “complete the Pitt Street composition,” according to the communique.
Design director of FJC Studio Richard Francis-Jones said, “The new infill facade is distinctly modern with a depth, compositional character and material richness that complements the exceptional detail and beauty of the three [Victorian and Interwar Palazzo style] heritage facades.
“New entrances, awnings, and shopfronts are refined contemporary designs inspired by the geometry and grandeur of the restored Art Deco rooms within. This integrated architectural approach extends to the interiors where the restored late Victorian and Art Deco spaces are complemented by a new grand staircase and public artworks, creating a cohesive and enriched experience for occupants and visitors in a unique multi-era, mixed-use Sydney House.”
The development application for Sydney House received approval in November 2021. The excavation and demolition process is complete, with the structural form works now set to proceed. Construction is anticipated to be complete in late 2027. More

Construction on regional Victoria’s Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre is now underway, following the recent completion of the new Twelve Apostles viewing platform.
The new visitor centre, designed by Grimshaw Architects and Aspect Studios, will include an exhibition space, retail and hospitality offerings, office spaces, and a rooftop lookout with views of the Shipwreck Coast, as well as additional car and bus parking and new and upgraded road infrastructure. A new welcome garden will also be established.
The facility will serve as a space for educating visitors about the history of coast and the shipwrecks it has become renowned for.
The new centre forms part of the $126 million Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment, funded by the Geelong City Deal – a 10-year plan between all three levels of government aimed at revitalising and encouraging greater visitation to Geelong and the Great Ocean Road.

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The Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) has been involved throughout the design process. EMAC CEO Marcus Clarke said “the design is one that reflects Kirrae Whurrong culture and our shared history, while harmonising with the natural landscape.”
“It’s about sharing Land, Sky and Sea Country stories and giving everyone the opportunity to learn and experience these,” he said.
The Twelve Apostles is one of the most visited natural attractions in Australia.
Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government Kristy McBain said the site attracts almost two million visitors per year.
“It’s an exciting time for the Shipwreck Coast as we work together with the Victorian Government and local councils to continue making the region an amazing place to live, work and visit,” McBain commented.
The Twelve Apostles precinct projects are part of the wider Shipwreck Coast masterplan by McGregor Coxall and Denton Corker Marshall. The masterplan covers a 28-kilometre stretch of Great Ocean Road between Princetown and the Bay of Islands with a total of 72 projects. The Twelve Apostles viewing platform, also designed by McGregor Coxall and Denton Corker Marshall, was completed in early 2024.
Grimshaw Architects and Aspect Studios were appointed to design the visitor centre in April 2023. Construction on the Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre is anticipated to be complete in 2026. More

A proposal from the City of Darwin to develop a new Civic Centre has recently been approved by the Northern Territory Development Consent Authority (DCA), with the council having announced that works will commence shortly. Designs for the project by CA Architects were unveiled in November last year.
City of Darwin CEO Simone Saunders said the newly developed Civic Centre would transform the precinct with a community plaza and enhanced connection to Civic Park, while creating more community amenities.
“The new Civic Centre will be accessible and inclusive, featuring a larger library with an expanded footprint as well as meeting rooms and function spaces that can be booked by the community,” Saunders said. The public program of the building will be accompanied by office space – a portion of which will be used by City of Darwin’s administration and technical services staff.

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The new building will be built on the site of a current car park adjacent to Darwin’s existing civic hub, which will be demolished upon completion of the new centre. In its place, a new plaza will be created.
According to their media release, the council envisions the plaza as “a space where people can visit, connect with others, and engage in community and business activities and events.” They note that “the new plaza will also respect and give prominence to Galamarrma, the Tree of Knowledge” – an existing Banyan tree within the existing entry courtyard that’s significant to the local community.
The City of Darwin has partnered with local construction company DCOH in order to build the $150 million building. In a media release, the council notes that they are investing $77 million into the project, including $41 million into the council’s portion of the new building, $30 million in public car parking and $6 million in landscaping and revitalisation of the current Civic Centre site.
The remainder of the construction costs will be covered by DCOH, who will own and operate the commercial space on floors 11 to 20 of the building. According to council, the partnership “creates efficiencies in the costs to build the new Civic Centre, however City of Darwin will retain majority ownership of the land and the building.”
Managing director and CEO of DCOH Shane Dignan said the development approval brings excitement for DCOH in their efforts to contribute to local industry.
“Growing Darwin and the territory is something DCOH prides itself upon, and we are thrilled to be taking the next step towards this with the new Civic Centre” he said. “A lot of hard work has gone into this architectural landmark project since its inception.”

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In their communique, the council notes that the “project has been in planning for over four years, and the final procurement process had probity oversight in place to ensure all requirements were met.”
The project has amassed mixed reactions. At the DCA meeting on 21 March when the project was granted approval, Australian Institute of Architects chapter president Miriam Wallace expressed to the authority that “the revised design did very little to address the concerns raised by the authority in its deferral” noting that it “provides bare minimum facility to the street and the public realm, and in no way addresses the request to provide an active street facade.” Other architects and Institute members present at the meeting also voiced concerns.
Construction is expected to begin early in this year’s dry season, which runs from May to October, and be complete in 2028. More

Embrace bold hues, tactile elements and artisanal pieces to create conversation starters in the home.
Plume Light by Skeehan for Rakumba
The Plume collection represents the relationship between light and colour while celebrating designer Tom Skeehan’s love of material experimentation. The design explores the distortion of sheet aluminium, with vibrant hues expertly applied by the renowned Fink and Co anodising team. Visit website.
Single Tier Ruffle Table from Criteria
Inspired by collars, drapes and linen valances, the Ruffle Series by Bari Ziperstein emphasises undulating forms and crisp edges. The handcrafted ceramic table is available in a range of brushed-on glazes, from clear citrus yellow and matte neutrals to earthy mottled blue and glossy monochrome tones. Visit website.

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Raking linen rug by Darren Palmer x Unitex
The Raking rug evokes the serene look of a zen sand garden, with its beige hues, subtle arches and repetition that mimic lines drawn in sand. The seven millimetre pile offers gentle comfort underfoot, ideal for bringing softness to timber or concrete flooring. Available in various sizes for living spaces or as a runner for hallways. Visit website.

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Primula side table from Paola Lenti
Italian designer Nicolò Morales finds contemporary expression for traditional clay-working techniques in the design of the Primula side table for Paola Lenti. Its base features handcrafted, hand-decorated sea creature-like majolica elements supporting a round transparent glass fusion surface. Visit website.

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Stella lamp from Ilanel
The Stella lamp is designed by Ilan El and handcrafted in Melbourne, with brushed and anodised aluminium starburst prongs cradling a delicate hand-blown glass orb. Its form blurs the line between futuristic modernity and timeless gravitas, presenting as an art piece and a unique talking point in the home. Visit website.

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Z24 Cupboard from Zanotta
The Z24 Cupboard provides both style and practicality. Its pleated matt veneer doors conceal adjustable tempered glass shelves, with the option to add LED lighting. The zigzag form creates an interplay of light and shadow, adding to the cupboard’s unique charm. Available in vivid statement colours or subdued neutrals. Visit website.

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The Australian Institute of Architects has revealed the complete line-up of speakers for the upcoming 2025 Australian Architecture Conference, set to take place in Sydney from 2 to 3 May.
Mel Bright of Studio Bright, Vinu Daniel of Wallmakers (India) and Dieter Leyssen of 51N4E (Belgium) have been revealed as the final keynote speakers for the conference. They will join the day one line-up of speakers already announced, including Kevin O’Brien of BVN (Australia) and Jing Liu of SO-IL (United States).
The day two speakers include independent expert consultant and advisor Fatou Kiné Dieye (Rwanda); Harold Vermeiren of 51N4E (Belgium); Scott Duncan of Skidmore Owings and Merrill (United States, Australia); Andreia Teixeira of Shop Architects (United States); Neill McClements of Grimshaw Architects (United Kingdom); Laura Harding of Hill Thalis Architecture (Australia); and Damian Madigan of the University of South Australia (Australia), in addition to others.

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The theme for the 2025 conference is Architecture in Action. This theme prompts the invited Australian and international speakers to share stories that illustrate the capacity of design to instigate positive change.
Day one of the 2025 conference will be hosted at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, while day two will be held at the University of Sydney’s Seymour Centre.
Complementing the conference is a line-up of fringe events taking place at various locations across Sydney from 29 April to 4 May 2025. These events include:

Studio Soirées: a behind-the-scenes peek into Sydney’s architectural studios such as Terroir and Aileen Sage.
Sydney Unlocked: guided walking tours led by project architects that showcase sustainable and innovative designs throughout the city.
Archi-Party: an evening of celebration at the University of Sydney’s Chau Chak Wing Museum, where architects can network and explore all four levels of the museum.

The steering committee responsible for shaping the 2025 program comprises Aaron Peters, Adam Haddow, Adrian Fernandez, Felicity Stewart, Nicole Mesquita-Mendes, Sally Hsu, Sharaan Muruvan and Tania Papasotiriou. The committee is joined by Institute representatives Cameron Bruhn, Linda Cheng and Kate Concannon.
Visit the Australian Architecture Conference website to view the full program. More

The $188 million proposal for the redevelopment of Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres is currently on exhibition on the NSW government’s state significant applications portal, with the public invited to have their say on the designs.
Cox, 3XN Architects, Aileen Sage, Turf Design Studio and Bangawarra won a design excellence competition for the project in May 2024. According to the City of Parramatta, the design team “have created a visionary design that blends contemporary architecture with First Nations inspired interiors.”
Envisioned as the centrepiece of Parramatta’s emerging cultural precinct, the proposed revitalisation of the city’s Riverside Theatres aims to transform the venue into an internationally renowned cultural destination. The council noted that their aspiration for the project is to generate a “vibrant hub for creativity in the heart of Parramatta” that attracts visitors and creates opportunities for local businesses.

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The revitalised building will feature a collection of performance spaces, including a new 1,500-seat Broadway-style Lyric Theatre replacing the building’s existing Lennox and Raffertys Theatres, a refurbished 760-seat Playhouse Theatre, a 341-seat Black Box Drama Theatre and a 116-seat Studio Cinema. A new bar and cafe is also situated on the river side of the proposed building.
In their architectural report, the design team noted that together with the retained Playhouse Theatre, the new program establishes a cluster of four separate volumes. Clad in glass-reinforced concrete rainscreens, the proposed envelope is intended to link these distinct parts into a unified whole while echoing the dappled light of tree canopies. On the ground floor, an undulating soffit is envisioned to create a soft expression that lends itself to a more human scale.

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The council noted that the “proposed design respects Parramatta’s rich cultural heritage, thoughtfully integrating contemporary architecture with elements that honour the area’s historical significance, creating a harmonious blend of past and present.”
With respect to both new and old parts of the building, council claim that the design is “industry-leading” in accessibility, “ensuring a dynamic and inclusive experience for audiences, artists and the wider community.”
Around the venue, various civic works are aimed at transforming the Parramatta riverfront into a connected and inspiring public place. A new pedestrian- and cycle-friendly path linking several bridge underpasses are intended to provide better access to the river, while a new circular gathering space aspires to provide a landscaped setting for impromptu performances, individual reflection and group gatherings.
The public is invited to have their say on the proposal until 28 April. Following public comment, the project is set to commence construction in late 2025 and open to the community in 2028. More

While the Australian Institute of Architects has welcomed investments in infrastructure and housing in the federal government’s budget for 2025–26, they have emphasised that further action is necessary, urging the appointment of a federal government architect.
The budget, released on 25 March, precedes the upcoming federal election scheduled for 3 May 2025. It allocates $54 million to accelerate the adoption of modern construction methods, such as prefabrication and modular building, in an effort to increase housing supply. The budget included a further $17.1 billion investment over ten years for road and rail projects.
In a recent communique, the national president of the Institute Jane Cassidy has highlighted that while the contributions to housing and infrastructure are valued, a national, design-led approach should be adopted to ensure these public investments address the challenges of rapid urbanisation, climate change and housing affordability, as well as provide lasting social, economic and environmental benefits to communities.
Cassidy stated that in the lead-up to the federal election, the Institute is calling for the appointment of a federal government architect within the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts to maximise the funding and achieve long-term, high quality design outcomes.

National president-elect Adam Haddow said “a federal government architect would provide strategic oversight and lead the development of smart, scalable solutions to ensure housing, infrastructure, and public spaces are designed for future needs, enhancing liveability and economic productivity. The federal government architect initiative would expand the positive impact of the existing government architects’ network across state, territory and local government levels.”
In addition to the call for national design leadership, the Institute has announced it will be advocating for a list of priorities this election, which include:

The adoption of innovative and modern construction methods to address housing shortages and support the transition to net zero
Healthy, affordable, equitable and sustainable housing that enhances community wellbeing
The strengthening of building codes to support an orderly decarbonisation transition through the National Construction Code (NCC) and the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB)
The inclusion of architects and other licenced professional in design-led projects and policies to improve urban outcomes, safety and consumer confidence.

Although Cassidy welcomed the budget’s provisions for increasing housing supply across the country, she said addressing this need should not come at the expense of safety, quality or sustainability. “Maximising liveability within space constraints requires careful planning of privacy, natural light, ventilation, storage and shared amenities. These factors are critical to quality of life and public health,” she said.
She added that with the growing frequency of extreme weather events, there should be increased investment in climate-responsive design, adaptive reuse of existing structures and reduced embodied carbon in construction materials.

The Institute’s full list of 2025 federal election priorities can be found here. More