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WORKMEN’S FLATS

SYDNEY NSW | 1912

Sydney Harbour Trust (Henry Deane Walsh, chief engineer and Walter Edward Adams, chief draftsman)

The Workmen’s Flats in Sydney’s wharf district integrated workers’ housing with urban infrastructure to create a well-serviced and connected community. Bridges link the workplace of the wharves to the main shopping street and suburb beyond. Social infrastructure, like pocket parks and playgrounds, was included at the entrances to these bridges and acts as meeting points for the community.

The flats were included at the edge of the urban development and contribute positively to the life of the street while achieving a high density. They reflect the area’s previously existing terrace housing, with dwelling entrances onto the street and the building mass stepping down the street to appear as a row of smaller, individual but connected houses. However, the building had a higher density than terrace housing, with each entrance serving two ground floor flats and two flats above.

All residences had private outdoor space, with rear yards for the lower dwellings and roof terraces for those above.