Actualities

The signage has gone up in the CBD as construction is soon commence on The Castrereagh.

Jade is starting the shoot up at 1 floor a week in Sussex Street and the pre-cast prefabricated masonry facade looks amazing.

Newtown RSL Club Approved

The prominent Newtown RSL Club on Enmore Road is to be transformed into a new Student Housing/Boarding House development after being approved this week. The TOP design retains much of the existing mid-20th century neo art deco building. Whilst the existing building has some detractors, we felt that it had strong sculptural qualities. We decided that any remodelling should be true to the spirit of the structure and sought to enhance these sculptural qualities rather than diminish it. We took the destijl lines of the building and reinforced the interplay of vertical and horizontal elements to intensify the composition. We introduced a glowing translucent glass box on the corner which will become a beacon in the streetscape. The design reduces the bulk of the existing building by removing a level of plant.

The site, which has been dormant for some time, is located in the centre of the vibrant King Street precinct which is a mecca for cafes, restaurants and boutiques. Its conversion as student accommodation is well suited to this location and the inclusion of ground floor cafes and retail will re-activate the area. The design incorporates many environmental features including a large oval shaped open void space and internal garden to enhance natural ventilation and light. Internally the design will utilise robust materials and bold colours to create a light and vibrant environment.

Spotted: Bills House in Canada

We spotted this add featuring Bill's House by TOP in a Canadian magazine. Hmm..

The Lewisham Estates development has been approved by the New South Wales Department of Planning. The approval provides for a comprehensive master plan for the precinct within the McGill Street triangle in Lewisham. The site adjoins Lewisham Railway Station and a new light rail station and is situated on the proposed Greenways urban park.

The scheme designed by Tony Owen Partners includes 7 mixed use residential towers with a maximum height or 10 storeys, home office, retail and several levels of basement parking. This includes up to 430 residential with a maximum yield of 39,500m2.The master plan includes a central park as well as a network of public greens, cycle ways and communal open spaces. The project has been design to promote permeability and connectivity with the surrounding residential area.

Lillifield Approved

The Development Application for the Gateway Project in Lillifield has been aproved. This project comprises 25 apartments with a supermarket. It is located on the city west link near Glebe with stunning harbour views. Construction will commence later this year.

ArtPower Features 4

The Design Art of Villas Book published by ArtPower has featured 4 of TOP's Houses in a 24 page spread including the cover.

Elle, Sylvania Approved

The unique Elle development in Sylvannia has just been approved. The 20 town houses are located on the waterfront in native bushland in Sylvannia. The 'L-shaped' town houses capture sun and create private courtyards. The stepped massing allows for maximum views and creates a contemporary take on a traditional hill-town typology.