Sirius
The Sirius building in Sydney is an emblem of 20th-century architecture and social activism
Sunday 3 November 2024
10am–5pm
About the building
Building information
Saved from demolition by developer JDH Capital, Sirius is one of many Australian buildings to benefit from being redeveloped rather than knocked down and rebuilt. 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.
Thoughtful interventions in the form of copper-clad ‘pods’ build on Sirius’s 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 thoroughfare improves pedestrian access from Gloucester Walk to Cumberland Street, enriched with historical artefacts curated in collaboration with heritage consultants Urbis. New landscaping along with a northern pocket park also provides communal open space and improved amenity.
A story of survival and adaptation, the skillful regeneration of this landmark building marks an exciting new chapter – Sirius is a beacon for enduring architecture and ambitious retrofit projects in Australia.
Key features includes
- 76 high-end apartments with spectacular 360-degree Sydney Harbour views
- Four SOHO (small office / home office) units and one retail along Gloucester Walk
- Separate building featuring a pool and cafe
- Several pools for rooftop apartments
- Delivery of a laneway cafe
- Copper facades
- Revitalised heritage common area – Phillip Room
Originally built 1978–79. Redeveloped in 2022–24
ArchitectBVN
Owner: JDH Capital
Delivery firm: ECI + Design & Construction
Builder: Richard Crookes Constructions
AlterationsThe Sirius building was originally designed in the 1970s and built in 1979 for social housing. JDH Capital, Dedico and BVN Architecture’s partnership has revitalised the iconic landmark while protecting its rich heritage, offering high-end, luxury living and an exciting Sydney lifestyle opportunity
AwardsUDIA Awards – Excellence in Design for Sirius Redevelopment, 2022
UDIA Awards – Excellence in Marketing for Sirius, 2022
Sirius
42 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
Entry details
Forecourt, Phillip Room and Phillip Room Terrace
10am–5pm
4.30pm
Need to Know
Accessible featuresAll accessible
Accessible toilets are available hereToilets availablePhotography allowedIn public areas
