The 1788 Residences development in Double Bay has set a new benchmark for architecture and luxury design in Double Bay, with the curved facade created using brick inlay making a distinct point of difference.

Located in the heart of Double Bay village, this iconic project by developers SJD Group is timeless, refined and elegant. Renowned for its beautiful, enduring designs that enhance both the quality of life and the built environment, Bates Smart has more than delivered.

Drawing on Double Bay’s boutique culture and European village ambiance, the facade design is an absolute standout, adding to the history of the suburb while retaining the area’s unique character.

Most breath-taking in the facade’s design is the elegantly sculptured form of concave and convex curves.

As Bates Smart comments: “Elegant articulated facades with concave curves define the sculpted form of 20 Cross Street, to evoke the glamour of the 1920s and art deco style.”

Creating the facade required meticulous attention to detail and a proven facade system that could deliver a beautiful, high quality curved brick wall with no compromise on materials or detail. Enter Evolution Precast and brick inlay by Robertson Facade Systems, with Blanco brick tiles supplied by Robertson’s Building Products.

The result speaks for itself: time and cost efficiencies onsite for the builder, and a standout facade that sits entirely within its context.

The material palette seamlessly integrates the building into its surroundings. Using primarily bricks, concrete and aluminium, it’s respectful to its community and neighbours, drawing on the historic residential qualities of Double Bay.

“On Cross Street, horizontal ribbons of white brickwork define a four-storey street wall. The brickwork is framed by off form concrete sills and lintels, while curved walls of fluted bronze aluminium separate balconies. They transition seamlessly into vertical louvred screens as they extend out towards the street.”

Curved facade by Yanddy Lim

Photo Courtesy: Yanddy Lim

“The building’s upper two levels on Cross Street are set back to reduce their visual impact from street level. They have horizontal zinc-clad balconies with convex curved ends that play against the concave curves of the brick-clad street wall,” notes Bates Smart.

Along Knox Lane, the building steps in and out along the facade, creating a dynamic relation with the static streetscape, bringing life to the laneway and enhancing the public space.

At ground level on Cross Street, curved shopfronts draw passers-by into the site and down its two retail arcades, mimicking and enhancing the pedestrian laneway networks in the Double Bay village centre.

Inside, 28 light and spacious one to three bedroom custom-made apartments with high quality finishes offer a timeless aesthetic and high levels of amenity. Each has strong indoor/outdoor connections, attracting an abundance of natural light through generous north-facing private balcony spaces and views to green landscape. Fittingly, the building’s curves have been integrated into the interiors via bespoke joinery, ceilings, panelling and finishes.

1788 Residences makes a positive contribution to the future of the suburb while retaining the area’s unique and much-loved character. SJD and Bates Smart are to be congratulated for delivering such a timeless, refined and elegant residential development that offers downsizers, investors and families alike a series of beautiful apartments to enjoy for years to come.

Project details:

Developer: SJD Group

Architect: Bates Smart

Product: Brick Inlay with Blanco brick tiles

Precaster: Evolution Precast

Builder: Ultra Building Co

Photography: Felix Mooneram and Yanddy Lim, where indicated