On 4th and 5th November, around 60 of Sydney’s most interesting buildings will be throwing their doors wide and inviting the public inside during the city’s annual Sydney Open weekend.
Sydney-based real estate agent Modern House – a Sydney Living Museum supporter – shares its must-see highlights from the bumper extravaganza, including private homes and public institutions.
EY Centre, by Richard Francis-Jones of Francis-Jones Morehen Throp (FJMT)
‘This building takes a thoughtful approach to aesthetic and environment. This warm, rounded tower of timber and glass pleases the eye as much as it does the environment, with automated vertical timber panels and three layers of high-performance glazing, 300 bicycle spots, charging for electric cars and replete with LED lighting throughout. It promises to be an example of what all commercial buildings should be.’
Photography: Brett Boardman / Via Sydney Living Museum
Sunday 5 November, 200 George St, Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia Square, by Harry Seidler
‘Australia Square, one of Harry Seidler’s seminal designs, turns 50 this year. Built in 1967, the soaring tower (then Sydney’s tallest), contains a dramatic transparent lobby, upon which a selection of artworks curated by Seidler were hung. When they were replaced (for fear of fading) in 2003 during Lendlease’ renovations, the colourful Orion MC by Victor Vasarely made its way to the Glenn Murcutt-designed Donaldson House. The tapestry now hangs on the southern wall in the main internal stairwell of this incredible home, where it is naturally lit by the white opal glass roof lights and can be viewed through a glass wall from the dining room. We look forward to imagining what this masterpiece would have looked like in its former home.’
Courtesy of Australia Square
Sunday 5 November, 264 George St, Sydney, NSW 2000
Abercrombie Building, The University of Sydney, by Woods Bagot
‘At its best, architecture enhances quality of life. And a life enriched with learning is certainly a life well lived. We look forward then, to a visit to the Abercrombie Building at the University of Sydney to view what was intended to reshape the university’s approach to teaching, learning and research. Designed to facilitate flexible and interactive learning, the building also sought to maintain the relationship and integrity of its surrounds, with an existing Sydney Blue Gum as the centrepiece of this 9,000 sqm building.’
Photography: Brett Boardman
Sunday 5 November, Darlington Lane& Abercrombie St, Darlington, NSW 2008
Behind the scenes tour: the story of Bennelong Point and the Sydney Opera House
‘We never tire of learning new tidbits about the history of this iconic building. The story of the Sydney Opera House – however beautiful in its completion – is riddled with controversy. After architect Jorn Utzon stepped down from the project in 1966, Peter Hall was appointed to complete it. The challenges of rectifying an incomplete design was said to have contributed to Hall’s decline in health.’
Photography: Roybb95~commonswiki
Saturday 4 November, Bennelong Point, Sydney, NSW 2000
Zulaikha Laurence House, by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects, with Drew Heath Architects
‘This home is an excellent example of how a building can respond respectfully to the site on which it sits. Located on a very steep, very exposed piece of land atop a 1918 explosive store on Sydney Harbour in Balmain, this beautifully crafted home demonstrates connectivity without intrusiveness.’
Photography: Michael Nicholson
Saturday 4 November, Balmain East, Sydney, NSW
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