Proposed North Sydney residential precinct celebrates connection to landscape

A State Significant Development Application proposing the establishment of two residential buildings and an ancillary building on an urban infill site in North Sydney has been lodged.

The residential precinct, dubbed East Walker Street, has been proposed for a site spanning 173-179 Walker Street and 11-17 Hampden Street. Designed by Rothelowman, the project aims to establish a new urban neighbourhood where connection to landscape is celebrated and a sense of community is fostered.

The application proposes the introduction of a 12-storey residential building with 78 affordable housing apartments; a 30-storey residential building with 161 market housing apartments; a 4-storey building for associated services, communal recreation space and ancillary services, and five levels of shared basement including 294 car parks and 263 bicycle spaces.

The housing precinct also includes several communal zones, such as work from home spaces; lounge and dining areas; a pool and spa; a gym; outdoor seating and dining; community rooms; a playground; a cellar, and entrance lobbies.

The practice said in its design statement that the concept seeks to "re-establish a sense of connection to place" by referencing and reinterpretating natural and historical aspects of the site and by creating a facade that is complementary in colour and material palette to the surrounding built context.

To establish a connection to place, the design team has proposed the integration of natural timbers and sandstone at ground level to echo the materiality of the surrounding built environment. The building podiums further reference concepts of site by incorporating patterns and textures inspired by the leaves of endemic angophra trees.

Indigenous language and symbols are repeated throughout the precinct to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and assist with wayfinding.

The application is on exhibition until 1 August.