Many construction projects focus on revitalization, green-friendly upgrades and large-scale changes. But this project in Sydney, Australia went above that, encompassing no less than four separate sites. The design is all about transportation and movement.
Wynyard Station is right at the heart of the design. The project also includes the former Menzies Hotels, Thakral House, Beneficial House and Shell House. These four separate sites have been unified into an amazing urban block that truly looks like a design for the modern world.
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In the station’s former life, passengers walked down dark, narrow concourses that ran next to the central core. Huge columns provided support for the large building. While little details pay homage to Sydney’s history and resources. One of the first thing visitors will see is Calacatta marble on the floors and walls. The marble was placed to simulate a continuous cut design.
Furthermore, this central core has become the new Urban Hall. It’s a triple-height structure that captures tons of light, creating a dazzling experience for those who enter the busy travel hub. Now, it’s got a design that’s worth traveling for.
On the outside, the Shell House, which is 10 stories tall, has been completely restored. The clock, a 400-ton showpiece, is still in place as a centerpiece for this historic building. There’s also a new rooftop restaurant and bar inside of two glazed pavilions. More than 3,000 sandstone-colored tiles were replaced with brand new handmade tiles.
Additionally, there’s a pedestrian route from George Street that goes through Carrington Street and out past Wynyard Park. The central core is now detailed with almond gold stainless steel and vertical glazing. Pedestrians can move right under the tower to get to Wynyard Park.
After you reach Carrington Street you get to the commercial office area. The tower itself is made with glazed panels accented with bronze-colored anodized aluminum fins. The fins have different depths to provide different levels of solar shading on each elevation of the building design.
Photography by Brett Boardman
