Sydney’s Rhodes East redevelopment to focus on biophilic design
The winning design for the Parramatta River precinct will be a mix of retail, dining and residential options
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Rhodes East in Sydney’s inner west is one step closer to rejuvenation on the Parramatta River foreshore with the announcement of the design competition winner for 25-27 Leeds Street.
The winning proposal is by award-winning architectural firm SJB and Land And Form and is based on biophilic principles, with landscape integrated throughout the collection of buildings, which will offer a mix of retail, dining and residential options across a 6,000sqm site.
Director of Land and Form Ro Iyer, said the design allows the public and private spaces to transition from the natural foreshore into more urban spaces.
“The public domain embraces the unique geographical setting and confluence of where the Parramatta River meets Rhodes,” Iyer said. “The foreshore design represents this transition from natural to urban, creating an iconic destination that looks to restore and enhance important ecological assets and allow people to actively engage with the Parramatta River, setting a high-quality precedent for the Rhodes East Precinct.”
The residential development has been designed for maximum solar comfort. At least 85 percent of apartments will have desirable outlooks, with residences facing internal courtyards still enjoying glimpses of the river.
SJB and developer Billbergia have come together again on this site, having already successfully teamed up on nearby Rhodes Central.
“SJB has a long-running connection with Rhodes, completing the first masterplan for the regeneration of the suburb in 2005,” director of SJB Nick Hatzi said. “Our proposal for Leeds Street opens up new connections to the water and reflects SJB’s approach to permeable and civic-centric mixed-use development.”
SJB and Billbergia won Development of the Year – Mixed Use at the recent Urban Developer National Awards for Industry Excellence for Rhodes Central.
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There’s no shortage of design inspiration online but nothing beats the joy of spending an afternoon immersing yourself in a good interior design book. Edited, carefully curated and, above all, designed, these titles take you behind the scenes of some of the world’s most beautiful interiors in a considered way. Think of it like the difference between listening to a few tunes on Spotify versus releasing a thoughtfully crafted studio album. We’ve assembled our top six of interior design books on the market right now for your viewing and reading pleasure.
1. Interiors beyond the primary palette
Step inside the world of award-winning interior design duo Juliette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke in this, their first compendium of their work. A ‘best of’ over more than 15 years working together, it’s a masterclass in working with colour and pattern as seen through 18 projects from around the country. With a focus on the idea of home as sanctuary, this hefty tome offers insight into the mind of the designer with points on where to find inspiration, meeting client briefs and the importance of relationships. Thames & Hudson, $120
2 House of Joy
If there was ever a book title for our times, then this is it. With a subtitle of Playful Homes and Cheerful Living, this book champions fun in interior design, with bold and bright homes from around the world to delight and inspire. While there’s a good dose of the unexpected, like a disco ball in the garden, there’s no mayhem in these spaces. Instead, they’re beautifully executed to tempt even the most colour shy. Gestalten, $105
3. Abigail Ahern Masterclass
Some design books are beautiful to look at, and that’s it. This is not one of those books. A master of colour and pattern, UK designer Ahern offers a practical foundational guide to beautiful interiors, mixing form with function in her latest book, Masterclass. Find the inspiration you need to create a gorgeous home. HarperCollins, $65
4. Interiors Now!
Looking for a visual crash course in international design trends with longevity? This is the book for you. Featuring homes across the globe, from New York to Auckland via Avignon, the biggest dilemma for readers is settling on a style. Many of the projects are owned by designers and creatives, lending a dynamic edge to this tome, now in its 40th year. Taschen, $50
5. Home by the Sea
For many Australians, the ocean holds an almost hypnotic appeal. Home by the Sea by Natalie Walton lets you imagine, for a little while at least, what it’s like living the dream in a beach shack in Byron Bay. The book tours 18 homes in and around the region and the hinterland owned by artists, designers and makers. With photography by Amelia Fullarton, it champions the good life. Hardie Grant, $60
6. The Layered Interior
Released last year, this is the third volume from award-winning interior designer Greg Natale. Different in format from his earlier books, the eight projects featured are Australian but with a slight Euro-centric focus. The writing is conversational, almost intimate, inviting the reader into the most luxurious spaces beautifully captured by photographer Anson Smart. This coffee table tome is perfect for dreamers and doers alike. Rizzoli, $110
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