BRISBANE ST. APARTMENTS, BONDI JUNCTION

 The core idea for this project was to give the neglected Salvation Army Citadel another lease of life. The hall was unused and neglected for many years and the owner wanted to revitalise the heritage building by undertaking an adaptive reuse design strategy. After extensive consultation with Council and our heritage architect, the result is four apartments which offer different spaces and amenity while respecting the heritage character of the original hall.

Bondi Junction has been undergoing an intensive densification over the past ten years. The influx of residents has attracted many businesses to service the growing population. This project offers a completely different type of accommodation compared to the predominant high rise apartment buildings found in the area. 

The adaptive reuse of heritage buildings is rarely found in the area so we sought to build on the intrinsic character of the building by carefully inserting the new elements to complement the heritage elements such as the timber and steel hammer trusses. The ample volume of the hall was utilised for new mezzanine floors which are accessed via a sculptural spiral stair. These upper spaces are naturally lit by new dormers either side of the main gabled roof.

The significance of the project is that it manages to give new life to one of Waverley’s heritage buildings. Waverley’s heritage stock is well regarded and warrants proper protection and this project is an exemplary example of adaptive reuse. By adopting a design approach which responds to all of the various controls and demands the Salvation Army Citadel results in a building that enhances the existing context and improves the streetscape. It is a prime example of recycled urban buildings in the Waverley municipality and sets a benchmark for all future heritage projects.

The design utilises site opportunities and elements to maximise the amenity of the individual apartments. Internally, a restricted palette of materials has been used – hardwood timber floors throughout with all wall surfaces in white plaster or the original face brick. Quartz and timber decking have been used on the external walkways and balconies.

The project won the 2015 Waverley Design and Heritage Award.

Project Team:                   Nicholas Solomon and Arkadi Filinchtein
Builder:                             Andrew Kennedy
Photographer:                   Karl Beath