• Credit: John Gollings/Tony Owen Partners

    Credit: John Gollings/Tony Owen Partners

  • Credit: John Gollings/Tony Owen Partners

    Credit: John Gollings/Tony Owen Partners

  • Credit: John Gollings/Tony Owen Partners

    Credit: John Gollings/Tony Owen Partners

  • Credit: John Gollings/Tony Owen Partners

    Credit: John Gollings/Tony Owen Partners

  • Credit: John Gollings/Tony Owen Partners

    Credit: John Gollings/Tony Owen Partners

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Colour in Architecture

Sussex Street in Southern Sydney

Sussex Street in Southern Sydney houses a new apartment building with a colourful statement.

by Katie Henry 25 November 2019 Sustainable Buildings

The building, designed by Tony Owen Partners, is a 14 storey mixed use residential/commercial building consisting of a 4 storey retail/commercial podium with 37 units above. 

The façade consists of a mosaic of angled bays in a palette of bright colours that liven up the quiet street. It’s also designed with an environmental purpose, as the window bays are angled to maximise the light to units. The site is surrounded by tall buildings and has limited northerly aspect, so TOP added parametric modelling to calculate the angles and direction of the sun through different times of the day and changing the angle of the windows accordingly. This technology makes it possible for a residential building that otherwise would not have been achieved on this site.

The Mosaic effect is created from the coloured side panels that frame the windows and enhance the facets. The masonry podium similarly uses parametric geometry to reinforce the historic streetscape. The main incorporates large areas of off-form concrete that compliments the masonry entry portals, as well as the back-lit glass ceiling that brings more light to the space. A feature wall reinterprets the faceted geometry in illuminated sandstone, and there is a café/bar in the lobby that enlivens the space even further. These design features have resulted in a highly sculptural yet contextual in-fill building.