Architecture

Revised designs for Sydney’s Central Barangaroo precinct have been released for public feedback, after the original plans for a 20-storey apartment tower were scrapped due to concerns over building height.
Property developer Aqualand was initially appointed to redevelop the site in 2018, however, since then, the project has encountered significant delays. In 2022, former New South Wales premier, Dominic Perrottet, announced there would be a reduction in height limits in the Central Barangaroo area to preserve views of Sydney’s harbour – a move that would require Aqualand to reevaluate and modify its plans.
The updated concept plans, designed by SJB, include a total of seven buildings, with six of the seven ranging from seven to eight storeys, and a seventh building of up to ten storeys. An underground food court and shopping centre linked to the Barangaroo Metro stop are part of the latest proposal, as well as a luxury hotel – to be operated from the tallest of the buildings.

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Six of the seven buildings range from seven to eight storeys tall, with a seventh building of up to ten storeys. Image:

SJB, courtesy of Aqualand

Aqualand project director, Tim Roberston, said he hoped the latest plans had addressed previous concerns regarding height. “Projects like these get a lot of scrutiny, that comes with the territory, but we’re ready to get on with it,” he said.
“Once the [Barangaroo] Metro opens later this year [2024] we expect that many people will ask what the hold up has been with Central Barangaroo. Thankfully, we’ve had really clear direction from the new government and we’re ready to get on with delivering a fantastic lifestyle precinct for Sydney.”
If the development is approved, construction on the precinct is expected to commence in 2024, with the project expected to be completed in 2029. The revised Barangoo Central concept plans are on exhibition until 2 February 2024. More

Redevelopment of the 10-hectare community park designed by Context is complete and the park is now open to the public. The site of Tench Reserve is narrow and undulating, constrained on each side by the Nepean River, a motorway and housing developments. The first stage of the masterplan, focusing on the riverside precinct, was composed […] More

Haymes Paint has revealed it has seen strong demand of its Artisan Collection paints in the lead up to and beginning of 2024. The popularity of the collection demonstrates a shift toward highly textured, industrial finishes. Highly sought-after in 2023 was Artisan Collection Surface, with the emergence of a new ‘cut and polish’ finish that […] More

Singapore has once again been selected as the host country for the 2024 World Architecture Festival (WAF), following its successful hosting of the event in 2023. Last year saw the festival being held in Singapore for the first time in almost a decade. The 2024 edition will be held across 6–8 November, with the Marina […] More

This collection of products from Houses issue 155, takes a long-term view, championing low-carbon manufacturing and waste-material reuse. Kami chair Kami Chair by Reddie. Image: Supplied Furniture house Reddie has established Reddie ReUse, an initiative that applies waste materials such as solid teak wood and bottle tops to its existing furniture range. The Kami dining […] More

The first tower of R.Iconic, an $850-million multiresidential complex in South Melbourne, has been finished, marking the completion of the first stage of the project.
Two towers will be established on the site at 259 Normanby Road, designed by Plus Architecture (lead) in collaboration with Design Office, interior designer David Hicks, and landscape architect Paul Bangay. The first completed tower, which stands 31 storeys tall, contains 451 apartments and five townhouses. It has already won a Design Excellence Award at the 2023 Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Victorian Awards for Excellence.

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The building features a pronounced sloping glass facade atop a brick podium. Image:

Tom Roe

The building features a pronounced sloping glass facade atop a brick podium. Ian Briggs, director of Plus Architecture, said the distinctive, angled facade was selected to create a noticeable visual landmark in South Melbourne, while the brick podium was integrated to reflect the materiality of the surrounding context.
“Referencing the masonry of the existing neighbourhood, the building is like a sculptural object, engaging and evocative in its expression. It will serve as an important wayfinding device that’s visible from across the city and the bay, a gateway to the emerging CBD South precinct, and, importantly, a new destination for the wider community in an area that does not yet have a commercial centre,” Briggs said.
“The building language of R.Iconic’s brick base podium and glass towers speak to its unique location. The towers and their deliberately distinct ‘sliced’ built form are contemporary hallmarks that physically represent this idea of transition.”

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Perched above the podium of the completed tower is a rooftop garden designed by landscape architect Paul Bangay. Image:

Tom Roe

Perched above the podium of the completed tower is a rooftop garden designed by landscape architect Paul Bangay. The 1-acre garden contains a 300-metre running track, a gym, a playground, private dining pods and a heated pool.
Once complete, the second tower will contain 41 storeys and a further 424 apartments. The project developer, R.Corporation, has articulated its aspiration for the site to become a “village hub” for the wider public. The vision includes shared workspaces, innovation labs and hospitality spaces. More

The Adelaide Festival Centre’s Western Plaza is set to undergo a $35-million transformation to improve accessibility and circulation around the precinct. Officially opened by then-prime minister Gough Whitlam on 2 June 1973, the original centre – designed by John Morphett of Hassell and Partners – was added to the SA Heritage Register in 1997. The […] More

University of Adelaide researchers have verified a new product manufactured by Silksurface as being a silica-free alternative to engineered stone. Silksurface began investigating safer alternatives to engineered stone prior to the recent announcement that the use, supply and manufacturing of engineered stone will be prohibited in Australia from 1 July 2024. “Today, we can confirm […] More