���������

SIRIUS

SYDNEY NSW | 1979

Tao Gofers (architect) for Housing Commission of NSW

The interlocking modular form and Brutalist expression of the Sirius building was designed to embody ideas of an equitable and community-based society. This design expanded a prototype built previously by the Commission and was selected ahead of three other, more standardised designs by a committee that included The Rocks Residents Group and other stakeholders.

Sirius was designed in careful response to the particular opportunities and constraints of its central Sydney site, which has expansive harbour views but also significant traffic and train noise from the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The building is angled to the street to deflect the noise and create a garden forecourt and children’s play area. 

Building a community was a major priority of the project and the building includes community spaces designed for general use. The building accommodated a diverse mix of households by providing a range of flat types, including larger sized flats for families and fully accessible pensioner flats. Some of the flats are split-level, affording greater separation between the common living areas of the home and the more private zones of bedrooms and bathroom. The stepped building form gives nearly all units access to a private rooftop terrace, balcony or courtyard.