Considered Contribution – The Surry by Candalepas Associates
On Elizabeth Street in Sydney’s Surry Hills sits a medium density multi-residential building that reinvigorates the streetscape with its strong articulated façade and intriguing juxtaposition of materials. Reflecting the ever-evolving, culturally dynamic nature of its locale, The Surry is a considered contribution from Candalepas Associates to the urban fringe of the city.
Exhibiting a limited yet engaging material palette, The Surry sings in changing light with green and orange ceramic tiles that animate the building and lend depth to the many portals and openings. The smallest details – from the glass to the timber handrails and even the aluminium framing – were carefully selected in an effort to aid a refined architectural language and create definition, softening the stronger impact of the prevailing off-form concrete.
With respect to the surrounding natural and built environments, The Surry is beautifully expressed across five storeys, with 24 light-filled and well-ventilated apartments.
With respect to the surrounding natural and built environments, The Surry is beautifully expressed across five storeys, with 24 light-filled and well-ventilated apartments. Its greatest contribution is arguably the abundance of verdant entryways, communal courtyards and garden terraces that act as catalysts for social interaction between residents, visitors, the public and the neighbouring properties. Amid The Surry’s hidden sanctuaries and its ground floor retail tenancies, the streetscape is made a priority once more.
The overall design embodies an environmentally and socially conscious presence, prioritising sustainable building through material choices and creative solutions. All building materials were selected to withstand the elements and compositionally the design offers occupants privacy, light and ventilation through the angularity of its recessed apartments.
The Surry breathes an air of contemporary scale, rhythm and variation, complementing the existing urban charm while projecting a desired architectural future for Surry Hills.
