Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
The spate of skyscraper construction that hit central Sydney following the lifting of height
restrictions has defined the skyline. For a while, the city's older buildings were in danger of
being neglected. That changed for the bicentennial celebrations of 1988, when cultural her-
itage soared up the agenda. As well as the refurbishment of Macquarie St and Circular
Quay, developers turned their eye towards Darling Harbour. Critics condemn today's
Darling Harbour as a tacky Las Vegan aberration, but few fail to be amazed at how com-
pletely this once-disused industrial space has been transformed.
GREEN BUILDINGS
Environmental concerns have rocketed up the agenda in Sydney over the past decade, and local architecture
hasn't been immune. The Olympic Games quickened architects' thinking on sustainability issues, and there are
several developments around Olympic Park that highlight the 'sustainable' agenda of the Games. The first thing
you'll probably see when you arrive is the Olympic Park Rail Station, admired for its natural light, ventilation
and striking shell-like design. The modernist blocks of Newington Apartments, originally the Olympic Village,
also emphasise natural light, energy conservation and water recycling. While you're in the 'hood, sneak a peek at
the sleek grace of Peter Stutchbury's Archery Pavilion.
Since the Olympics, 30 The Bond on Hickson Rd in Millers Point has become the benchmark for Sydney's
green buildings. Its adjustable facade, chilled beam air-conditioning and abundant natural light make it the most
energy-efficient building in Sydney. Its developers were the first to pledge to achieving a five-star Australian
Building Greenhouse rating.
Of course, sustainable building isn't limited to big financial and infrastructure developments - new and re-
cycled 'green' residential projects are also coming on apace. One stellar example is the converted 19th-century
Chippendale terrace house at 58 Myrtle St, which the owner/designer bills as 'Sydney's first sustainable house'
It seems like a regulation Sydney terrace from the front, one of thousands in the inner city, but some ingenious
and surprisingly simple design means that all the house's requisite energy and water needs are supplied on site.
The house consumes just 220L of water per day (the Sydney average is 274L), and only six kilowatts of electri-
city, down from an average of 24. In fact, the house exports more energy to the national grid than it uses. Simple
but effective fittings include rooftop solar panels, a rainwater filter on the drainpipe, a doorbell on a string, a
super-energy-efficient fridge, and stainless-steel benches that magnify sunlight and prevent the need for daytime
electric light during the day. Check it out in the topic
Sustainable House
by owner Michael Mobbs.
