Inside An Architectural Apartment Block With Iconic Views

SJB and Mathieson Architects have created an architectural apartment block utilising light and connectivity, enhancing a feeling of warmth within the residences. With a stunning backdrop of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, Kurraba Residences offers gorgeous moments where occupants can feel like they are part of the surroundings. Featuring a heavily landscaped entry, the architectural apartment block has been designed to become one with the verdant greenery. What’s more, the materiality of the architectural apartment block references these surroundings, including the earth-coloured brickwork, which makes the building feel part of the environment. SJB and Mathieson Architects ensure the apartments feel and look like they are lived in rather than just sitting on the landscape. Upon entering the apartments, the architect has designed a series of expanded spaces to create a feeling of leaving the outside world and returning home.

To further enhance a sense of serenity, the architect has created external spaces that offer intrigue and interest to all. The foyers in each apartment building are designed to add a more domestic touch instead of being made to feel like a city structure. As each lobby space is small, each resident is encouraged to get to know their neighbours and enjoy a sense of community. Working with SJB on the interior design for Kurraba Residences, Mathieson Architects employs a restrained approach for materials and detailing. In this way, Mathieson Architects captures the essence of what a home is. Featuring dark-stained oak against the limestone within the apartments, complemented by refined accents like bronze and marble, illustrates attention to detail. The effort in planning and coordination therefore results in a seamless and luxurious design.

Not wanting to dominate the harbour, the architect instead took the opportunity to create a quiet and restrained architectural apartment block that lets the landscape be the hero. Fostering a sense of community by minimising the amount of apartments, SJB has placed a maximum of three residences for each lobby space. Additionally, the entire development is broken up into three buildings, which means that residents will get to know each other well. Most of all, the communal spaces that overlook the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House also encourages connection to the natural surroundings. Wide and inviting, the communal space is for all that live in the complex, with a pool, grassed area and lounges offering something for everyone. In addition to the expansiveness of the architectural apartment block, the residents also have access to a concierge and a wine cellar that can be booked for events and gatherings. With its fluid and organic forms, Kurraba Residences is a playful addition to the neighbourhood and harbour while still harmonising with it.

00:00 - Introduction to the Architectural Apartment Block
01:30 - A Walkthrough of the Building
02:51 - Interior Design Highlights
04:22 - Connecting with the Landscape
05:19 - Fostering A Sense of Community
06:37 - Reflections on the Project

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Photography by Timothy Kaye and Tom Roe.
Architecture by SJB.
Interior design by Mathieson Architects.
Landscape design by Dangar Barin Smith.
Development by Thirdi Group.
Filmed by The Local Production.
Edited by Andre Hoo.
Production by The Local Production.

Location: Kurraba Point, New South Wales, Australia

The Local Project acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land in Australia. We recognise the importance of Indigenous peoples in the identity of our country and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands.

#Apartment #Architecture #Home

[jessrealfortune]

I'm in awe of this project. Never have I seen a building that's designed to interact with people. What a great idea.

[j-andall]

Details here are incredible. That curved double vanity with the floating mirror and the mirror passing through the skylight portal are great. Also appreciate hearing the team talk about how difficult something like this is to pull off. All to often you get the high gloss result and don't hear about the detail execution or the fact that most projects like this take 7 years. Great stuff!

[andreelliott]

This idea of design to connect people and environments makes sense.

[Caitness]

Absolutely love the red brick work very Aussie, old fashioned Sydney side colour, yet new expression with the gorgeous brick walls. Love the courtyard with the curved walks and greenery. Also the curved apartments sit well in the Harbourside peninsula.

[Gatecrasher]

Mercy! What an incredible building and location

[keithronson]

Again, thank you The Commercial Project . Excellent content. And yes that location and views. Plus the courtyard and the quietness of the project.

[LeodiAstoriaXIII]

What an incredible location! Amazing project.

[michaelsd]

Love the walkway/ramp and central courtyard during that entrance process. How did you address the drainage during the heavy rains in this space? If seems you've built a channel that would direct the water into the lobby.

[mrvk]

I like the curved spaces and the color of the brickwork but I think it actually sticks out rather than blends into the landscape. It's more of an industrial, late 19th century, look with black frames and red brick than something organic - limestone or local rock would've been more of blending in. It doesn't detract from the building in any way - its gorgeous. I love the views and I like that kitchen. I don't love those black railings - they block some of the gorgeous city and water views.

[marvinraphaelmonfort]

cute terraces but when they say that the building isn't imposing, i don't quite believe them. the trees should be taller than the apartment complex. hopefully in a few years that'll be the case =]

[outofthefoxootf]

Just throw a whole bunch of architectural jargon at it and she'll be fine. The building looks outdated already and no it does not sit well in its context, its a brick jungle. To me, it looks no different to the existing housing blocks nearby.

[troyflatland]

Wait what is the commercial project? I thought this channel was called the local project all this time or am I having a Mandela moment lmfao please no

[TheSushmaHomeSellingTeam]

This is definitely a worth having place to stay in. 🤎🤎