Sirius Redevelopment

Sirius is the story of survival and adaption. BVN and the client’s vision aligned with retaining the original building, understanding the building’s architectural and cultural importance to Sydney’s community. The new design expresses the legibility between the old and new, with additions to the building representing a modern interpretation of the existing module architecture. After the developers successful bid to purchase the site, the project was required to undergo a design competition with the original building being retained as part of the brief. BVN went on to win this competition. The massive improvement and activation of the ground plane is one of the projects major achievements. The through site link from historical Gloucester Walk to Cumberland St, has increased the permeability to the Rocks precinct, enabling access from lower part of the Rocks up to the bridge. The original ground plane was visually harsh with a carpark ramp and basement parking visible along most edges of the building and along the front entry. By concealing the parking within a new built structure, as well as activating street frontages with courtyard access to the ground floor apartments and new commercial spaces, the ground plane is significantly improved. ‘Retaining with integrity,’ requires the restoration of the entire existing concrete façade, which has been complimented with the addition of copper boxes, a modern interpretation of the original concrete boxes. Reinstating the fifth elevation, the roofscape, with a landscape garden, has restored the original concept of a green roof. Through the combined vision of the client and BVN, the Sirius building will be saved and retained with integrity.