The architecture studio has renovated Sydney’s brutalist Sirius building, dating back to the 1970s.

“Retained, restored and reimagined, the skilful regeneration of this landmark building marks an exciting new era – Sirius is a beacon for enduring architecture and ambitious retrofit projects in Australia,” shares the BVN team.

Saved from demolition by developer JDH Capital and BVN, Sirius is one of many Australian buildings to benefit from being redeveloped rather than knocked down and rebuilt.

“On a civic scale, Sirius prioritises reconnection with the site and local community by carefully stitching the building back into its urban context, surrounding streets and pedestrian pathways of The Rocks,” says BVN Principal Peter Titmuss.

It may have been the more difficult and more expensive route to take, yet one that ultimately opens a new chapter for the much-loved building.

The original social housing project was designed by Tao Gofers for the NSW Government Architect’s office in the late 1970s and overlooks The Rocks district of Sydney Harbour.

It is one of few surviving examples of Brutalist architecture in Australia, a style renowned for bold geometry, expressed concrete construction and iconic stature.

“Copper cladding distinguishes the additions from the existing building, offering legibility of Sirius’ original Brutalist expression, its history and evolution. The copper will age favourably over time, harmonising with the building’s rugged, signature concrete,” says BVN Principal, Phillip Rossington.

After an ambitious retrofit project led by developer JDH Capital in collaboration with BVN and Richard Crookes Construction, Sirius is an exemplar for sustainable urban redevelopment. The transformation draws on much of BVN’s expertise in adaptive reuse projects.

“Our approach to the interior design takes cues from the strength of the building’s original design. Materials chosen for longevity complement the concrete and copper, playing on the contrast between raw and polished to create very tactile spaces,” says BVN Principal, Sally Campbell.

Harmonising old and new is the hallmark of BVN’s strategy for Sirius. Both JDH and BVN were united in the mission to retain the building’s architectural integrity, honouring the original façade, proportions and materiality.

Thoughtful interventions in the form of copper-clad ‘pods’ build on Sirius’ design language and are a modern interpretation of the concrete modules. Supported by prefabricated steel structures, these balcony extensions provide new outdoor living and capitalise on harbour views.

Alongside restoration of the building, the reimagined design concept prioritises linking Sirius back into The Rocks, via a new thoroughfare, public lift and the reintroduction of greenery across the site.

Laneways are reactivated with retail, small offices / home offices (SOHOs) and commercial spaces. A through-site link improves pedestrian access from Gloucester Walk to Cumberland Street, enriched with historic artefacts curated in collaboration with heritage consultants, Urbis. New landscaping along with a northern pocket park also provide communal open space and improved amenity.

BVN also completed the majority of interiors for the apartments and residential lobbies as well as the roof terraces. UK interior designer Kelly Hoppen worked alongside BVN on select areas including a penthouse, the lobby/mailroom, communal pool and gym.

Sirus’ interiors achieve comfortable contemporary living whilst complimenting the materiality of the building exterior. Warm tones of European oak, Arabescato Cervaiole and Elba marbles, and bronzed metal fixtures add sophistication to the deliberately timeless, pared-back design.

The Phillip Room has been carefully restored as a ground floor communal area for residents. Its original timber beam ceiling and walls have been renovated and reinforced for a long future, and the timber bison artworks by architect Penny Rosier have been restored and rehung within the space.

Image: Sirius by BVN / Bryn Donkersloot

Clémence Carayol

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