“Art is independent of all other expressions of human reason” 

- Benedetto Croce 

The staged Pindari development consists of 66 units and townhouses, located on an 8,000 square metre site. The development is made up of three distinct blocks, each occupying one corner of the L-shaped site. Block C was completed in 2006. Block A and B are the second and final stage of a masterplan for the brownfield site completed in 2009.

The locality is predominantly medium density of three storey walk-ups and single dwelling houses. The site and locality are benefited by a series of established trees that have been retained in the building’s siting, design and construction.

The respective blocks represent two types of multi-residential buildings, Block A contains 20 townhouses based on the traditional inner Sydney housing typology of the Victorian Terrace, Australia’s first form of medium density housing, whilst Block B is a multi-unit flat building that contains 21 units of 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms.

The development of multi-unit flat buildings in Sydney has traditionally been driven by one concern, that of monetary return.

The extant beauty of the harbour and landscape has fixated the outward gaze with little concern for a backward glance at the places we inhabit communally. The design of these buildings was a facet of architecture that was considered too hard until the last decade when a number of architects started to produce important buildings which became models for sustainable city living. Within this context it is important to consider that Architecture is not merchandise; for one to sell, for one to buy, it is an offering in earnest to the public, for the public and for the enjoyment of all – not just the developers or the occupants.

Implicit in the buildings’ expression and composition is its relationship to the wooded characteristics and natural contours of the subject site. There is also an architectural expression to environmental issues of orientation and cross ventilation.

Single loaded corridors allow cross ventilation to all units. Large window openings allow substantial natural daylight into all units and townhouses. The facades opposite the clumps of trees are open with large expanses of clear glass which borrow shelter from extant trees. Rain runoff is detained in the masterplan to water the expansive gardens and critical facades of east and west are mostly insulated masonry to minimise solar loading.

High-quality, long-lasting materials such as sandstone, off-form concrete and rendered brick contribute to the building’s ability to age well over time. High usage public areas have been highlighted through the use of materials such as sandstone reveals around lift doors and marble and granite slabs to stair flights. Less important areas use simple concrete tiles and painted surfaces, though still at a high level of finish.

Project Design Team
Angelo Candalepas - Director
Martin Urakawa
Andrew McCloskey
John Wilkin
Marko Damic
Polly Harbison
Kevin Burns
Thomas Hale
Evan Pearson
Stefano Bedetti

Awards
AIA National Architecture Award for Residential Architecture - Multiple Housing (2009)    
AIA NSW Architecture Award Residential Architecture - Multiple Housing (2009)     
AIA NSW Architecture Award Residential Architecture - Multiple Housing (2006)  
Randwick Council Urban Design Award (2006)
Design Task Force Urban Design Award (2006)