EPIISOD Macquarie Park

Tyrone Branigan

• Architects

A new 732-bed development reimagines student living, reflecting a broader shift in purpose-built student accommodation toward more residential, amenity-rich environments that support wellbeing and community.

Designed by AJC Architects, the 15-storey EPIISOD Macquarie Park has welcomed its first residents in time for the new academic year. With boutique interiors, designed in collaboration with Nic Graham & Associates (concept), the project marks Centurion’s first student accommodation development in Sydney.

Centurion’s vision was to create a highly connected living and learning environment embedded within the university precinct. The design brings together spaces for accommodation, study and social interaction within a cohesive architectural framework shaped around student wellbeing and environmental performance.

photo_credit Tyrone Branigan — Tyrone Branigan

The design adopts a considered residential character, expressed through refined materials and warm tones. Its architectural language draws inspiration from local geology - referencing Sydney’s Hawkesbury sandstone and Wianamatta Shale - alongside the native Turpentine and Ironbark landscape.

“Student accommodation is evolving toward environments that feel like a place to live rather than simply a place to stay,” said Brian Mariotti, Director, AJC. “At Macquarie Park, our ambition was to create a setting where living, studying and social life overlap naturally, supported by shared spaces, landscape and a strong sense of community.”

Living spaces are complemented by shared amenities, including a rooftop wellness level with an outdoor pool, terrace, gym and yoga studio overlooking Macquarie University. Double-height communal spaces and indoor–outdoor common areas encourage interaction, study and relaxation throughout the building.

The interior design is purposely rich and layered, yet urban, combining exposed concrete, spotted gum and hoop pine timbers, black accents and textured comfortable fabrics and furnishings.

“The interiors focus on creating a balance between connection and retreat,” said Scott Norton, Studio Director, Interiors at AJC. “A range of shared spaces allows students to move between study, socialising and downtime in ways that feel natural and comfortable.”

Organised across two wings addressing Lachlan Avenue and Herring Road, the building reduces perceived scale while strengthening connections to surrounding streets and the landscaped courtyard. A landscaped terrace marks the primary entrance, reinforcing a welcoming sense of arrival.

A warm material palette of brick, precast concrete and metal screening draws from sandstone and timber tones. Future-ready building systems enable smart technology integration, allowing residents to manage access and services via smartphone-connected systems.

Anthony Bolger, Head of Planning & Development at Centurion, said: “The completed project reflects a carefully considered process and the collective effort of an exceptional team of professionals. It represents a significant milestone in Centurion’s journey to build a portfolio of innovative, high-quality purpose-built student accommodation within the Australian market.”