Architectus acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, work and learn.

We honour their unique cultural and spiritual relationships with the lands, waters, skies, and communities, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

By using this website, you consent to our use of cookies. Read our Privacy Policy for full details on how we manage data.

Accept
Harbord Diggers – Interiors

Harbord Diggers – Interiors

Client:
Mounties Group

Location:
Freshwater, New South Wales

In association:
CHROFI + JMD design

Status:
Built, Stage 1 October 2018; Stage 2 August 2019

Contact Person:
Farhad Haidari

Architectus, in collaboration with CHROFI and JMD Design, created the design for the redevelopment of the Harbord Diggers Club at Freshwater.

Situated on one of Sydney’s iconic headlands, the development is surrounded by spectacular coastal sandstone formations and native coastal landscape. Mounties Group’s vision informed the team’s conception of an inter-generational community hub combining an outdoors hospitality precinct with club, health, fitness, childcare and retirement living.

Public pathways connect the building to the coast, and open stairs between the levels unite the facility as a ‘hub’ while promoting a socially active lifestyle.

Designed for the contours of the land

The challenge was to design a vibrant, inter-generational social environment without impacting the beauty of the natural headland and to organise the mixed-use program without affecting the amenity of residents.

The design conceals much of the program within the contour of the land. The retirement village is organised around a courtyard, with the hospitality precinct below. The headland landscape extends across the courtyard to amplify the scenic quality of the precinct.

At the same time, a pair of sandstone buildings rise above as sculptural counterpoints, with flowing forms that frame the expansive coastal views.

Lower scale buildings address the streets in a stepped manner to maximise views while creating a fine-grained edge to address Freshwater Village to the west.

Flexible interiors for different needs

The apartment interiors, with operable façades and flexi-rooms, accommodate different residents’ requirements and provide flexibility to engage with the headland environment.

A dramatic sunken garden at the centre of the project brings light and air to the various layers of mixed programs below. The endemic species mimic the natural occurrence of verdant species thriving within the protected crevices of the headland.

MoreLess

Client:
Mounties Group

Location:
Freshwater, New South Wales

In association:
CHROFI + JMD design

Status:
Built, Stage 1 October 2018; Stage 2 August 2019

Contact Person:
Farhad Haidari