The vision behind the transformation of a historic Sydney building into an iconic 50-storey tower have been unveiled.

Architecture firms BVN Architecture and FJC Studio have revealed their design vision behind the $800 million transformation of the former City Tattersalls Club at 192-204 Pitt Street into what will be the new 50-storey Sydney House.

Set to open in 2027, Sydney House will feature a six-story podium and a 50-story hotel and residential tower.

The tower will feature 241 premium residences on top of the 135-room luxury hotel.

The design incorporates glazed arches, curves in the glazing and bronze-coloured cladding.

The new building aims to offer amenity within the residences and hotel as stepped volumes create expansive terraces and floorplans draw natural light deep into the tower.

Skyline vistas will be offered at every level while the penthouses will enjoy panoramic views east across Hyde Park to the Heads, west to Darling Harbour and north toward Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour.

In a statement issued earlier this week, BVN and FJC outlined key elements of the design vision and strategy.

The design aims to pay homage to the late Victorian architecture of the City Tattersalls Club. Originally designed by Sheerin and Hennessy and constructed in 1891, the building was originally home to the Tattersalls Club before being purchased by the City Tattersalls Club in 1975.

According to BVN and FJC, Key design vision and strategy elements include:

  • An elegant composition in which the hotel and residential tower are articulated in deference/respect to three significant State heritage-listed buildings designed by Sheerin and Hennessy and constructed in 1891. This is achieved by recessing and offsetting the new volumes – each of which will have a distinct identity that honours its history and establishes a distinguished urban address. The modulation of these clearly defined forms helps reconcile their scale with that of the late 19thcentury social club, the architects say.
  • A scheme characterised by lightness as the cantilevered residential tower appears to hover effortlessly above the hotel podium.
  • An interplay between the arched windows of the heritage facades and the scalloped fenestration of the tower above as seen from the street. The aim is to create a sensation as if the edifices are entwined in a delicate dance of old and new. This is achieved as the fenestration has a rhythm inspired and inflected by the arched windows of the historic facades. It aims to enrich the reading of the heritage buildings and enable them to be appreciated in a new light.
  • New levels of amenity as the stepped volumes create expansive terraces and floorplans that draw natural light deep into the tower.
  • Skyline vistas at every level along with panoramic views from the penthouses as mentioned above
  • Contemporary expression for historic details. For example, the exposed soffit of the cantilevered tower form is studded with three-dimensional rosettes that reference the ornamentation of the heritage facades.

Richard Francis-Jones – Design Director of FJC Studio describes the design intent and architectural vision for Sydney House.

“Sydney House is a remarkable ensemble of beautiful street facades and interior spaces across four eras, from Victorian Free Classical to today. We have adapted and restored three heritage buildings and designed a new contemporary infill building that completes the Pitt Street composition and defines the distinctive identity of Sydney House,” Frencis-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 heritage facades. The Victorian and Inter-War Palazzo style heritage facades have been carefully restored and enriched through new modern adaptive elements.

“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 new tower is being designed by BVN and FJC Studio on behalf of developers First Sponsor Group and ICD Property.

Construction is being undertaken by Richard Crookes Constructions, which has completed the complex demolition and excavation process.

Work on the structural form is now set to commence.

A marketing launch for the new residences will take place later this year.

As mentioned above, the new tower will be complete in 2027.

 

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