Surry Hills Building, Sydney, Silkwood Apartments, Australian Architects, Images

Surry Hills Building Sydney : Auditorium + Apartments

Australian Building, New South Wales – design by Turner + Associates

2 Jan 2008

Silkwood Apartments

Silkwood, Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW, Australia
2006
Design: Turner + Associates

Photographs © Shannon McGrath

Silkwood is located on the fringe of the city occupying a disused triangular parcel of land. A mixed-use brief with a residential, commercial and auditorium programme has permitted the development of a building with several identities.

The auditorium, which occupies a former lane way provides an appropriate separation to the neighbouring building. The commercial spaces occupy the lower levels and assist in creating a base. Sculptural skylight elements project into the courtyard above and further enhance the amenity gained from a clear span floor plate.

Located over the commercial spaces the apartments take on a courtyard typology. With a mix of single and double storey apartments the majority are able to be north facing, cross ventilated and have multiple aspects. Materials selected have been considered in response to the existing context.

At street level tactile materials including timber, stone, masonry, glazed brick, corten and galvanized steel are used maintaining the variety found in the adjoining buildings. On the upper levels a more robust palette is used, predominantly precast concrete with metal cladding to highlight the corner box and top floor mezzanine apartments.