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This original house has been cleverly modified
into a sophisticated urban retreat suited
to a busy family in the 21st century. The
complicated plan has been reconfigured with
clarity to open up the house and create lofty
internal spaces that are generous, inviting and
precisely resolved.
The clean lines and fine detailing of the
new work offsets the decorative elements
of the original house from the ornate entry
through to a modern, multilevel extension and
backyard pavilion. The project demonstrates
the adaptability of historic Sydney terraces for
contemporary dwelling.
The master bathroom is particularly
spectacular taking over an original bedroom
with the insertion of a mirrored box
accommodating double basins, large shower
and toilet. The respect for the original house
is most clear in this room where the walls are
untouched by the stark new elements.
The precise and streamline quality of the
design responds to the family client and is an
exemplar for modern urban living.
Photo: Chris Warnes
House. Elysium
Architect Prineas
The Primus Hotel creative adaption restores
much of the former Sydney Metropolitan
Water Sewerage and Drainage Board office
building to its former splendour. Principal
spaces such as the marble-lined entrance
vestibule have been conserved and the former
Ratings Chamber returned to its original
majestic proportion, while circulation on the
original ground floor and mezzanine has been
retained and adapted. Finishes in these spaces
remain faithful to the original, in particular the
highly significant scagliola clad columns.
The focus on conservation and adaptive
reuse has resulted in a hotel with a strong and
distinctive architectural character that retains
as much original fabric as possible, which
is concentrated in strategic places to give a
sense of the original building over successive
levels.
The rooftop takes advantage of what was
previously an unused space to provide
amenity for guests with a bar and 20-metre
pool; a feature that contributes to the growing
importance of rooftops to city life.
Photo: Trevor Mein
Primus Hotel
Woods Bagot & GBA Heritage
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Photo: Michael Wee
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Photo: Murray Fredericks
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Clive Lucas, Stapleton
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Photo: Eric Sierins
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Photo: Brett Boardman
OTHER ENTRIES
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