Pebble stack inspires extension to infamous Taylor Square landmark

David Mitchell Architects has designed an extension to an iconic Federation-era building in Sydney's Taylor Square.

Inspired by "the layering of volumes like the pebble stack," the design creates a "sympathetic" addition to the existing building.

The extended floors follow the curved design of the existing building's facade. "Each floor is clearly separated in the articulation of the perimeter planters," said the architects in a design statement.

"The proposed building is predominantly a concrete building sitting on top of [a] brick building, with [a] small area of green-pigmented concrete to the facade provid[ing] banding elements, while white steel balustrade, overhanging plantings, aluminium framing and glazing have been carefully selected refining the architectural language and softening the appearance of the harder materials. The facades have been carefully composed to express scale, promotion, rhythm and variation suitable to a development of its size.

"The proposed design, [sic] balances the influences of the strong local historical built form with the also contemporary nature of the design and is considered highly sympathetic to the local existing context as well as the desired creative and cultural character of the area."

The redeveloped building will accommodate commercial office spaces, as well as a live music venue in the basement and hospitality spaces on the ground floor and rooftop.

Originally constructed in 1910, the building was designed by Ross and Rowe and was first home to the Government Savings Bank of New South Wales. It later became the Taylor Square Hotel, a notorious night club that was named among the state's 48 most violent licensed venues.

In 2010, the City of Sydney bought the premises and housed the UNSW College of Fine Arts. The site is currently vacant and owned by Archon Property.