Architecture As A Work of Art - No. 6 Sydney Street by Wood Marsh Architects
No. 6 Sydney Street is a boutique project of only 16 apartments in the Melbourne City of Stonnington, developed by V-Leader. The project sees Wood Marsh Architecture creating an organically layered, undulating sculptural work of architecture that is deeply inspired by its unique site that takes in never-to-be-built-out views across Orrong Romanis Reserve to the city beyond.
Speaking at a design event held at the No. 6 Sydney Street display suite, Wood Marsh founding partner Randal Marsh explained that the bespoke, individual and carefully-considered design “fits into our range of thinking about architecture as a work of art.” He expressed Wood Marsh’s belief that architecture should be as exciting and memorable in 20 years as it is today, inspiring a sense that it is “something worth remembering.”
When perceived as a work of art, the distinctive curved form of the building exhibits a sculptural quality that offers a significant contribution to the streetscape and enhances the inhabitants’ experience of the building. In this way, No. 6 Sydney Street sits as a unique space within its site. Reflecting on this, Randal described the building as “not a block sitting within a block – it is a building that incorporates the entire site and works on all elevations which are of equal importance in the design. This building sits within that rectilinear block but it carves out its own sense of autonomy.”
Two existing mature gum trees complement the building’s form, which embraces vegetation through the landscape design by Eckersley Garden Architecture, with masses of greenery cascading down the façade from the apartments’ generous terraces. Never-to-be-built-out views across Orrong Romanis Reserve to the city skyline beyond, further lend the apartments a sense of being immersed in the natural environment, creating layered outlooks across parklands and the leafy suburban surrounds.
Moving inside, floor plans range in size from 90-95 square metres for a two-bedroom to 161-338 square metres for three-bedroom apartments. The south façade steps form full-length terraces, opening lower levels to natural light and preserving privacy, with external areas ranging from 25-190 square metres. The layout reflects the amenity of a high-end freestanding home with walk-in wardrobes, marble ensuites with double vanities and freestanding baths as well as full-height wine displays.
The curvature of the building enabled Wood Marsh to modulate the shape of each level so overhangs do not repeat, creating cut-ins allowing light to flood through and ensuring each residence will be utterly unique. Each apartment, thus, has its own sense of being, acting as an autonomous part of the whole and overcoming the anonymity that commonly affects apartments in high-density blocks.
The interior finishes, including travertine, timber, polished plaster and natural wool are synonymous with luxury and imbue the interiors with a sophisticated elegance. Wood Marsh has taken a deliberate and considered approach to the interiors, balancing design that exudes a sense of “charisma and interest” with a pared-back, refined aesthetic that forms a backdrop for the inhabitants’ individual personality and style.
From the expressive and sculptural form of the building to the luxuriously appointed interiors, No. 6 Sydney Street represents a significant shift in the quality and experience of apartment living. The result is a series of 16 homes that have been designed to spark inspiration and excitement for many years to come.
