27/03/2025
Architectural Vision Unveiled for Sydney House: A New Landmark in the CBD
Sydney, March 2025 – Leading architectural firms BVN Architecture and FJC Studio have unveiled their design for Sydney House, a striking addition to Sydney’s skyline that reimagines the historic City Tattersalls Club site.
The ambitious $800 million, 50-storey mixed-use development will be located at 194-204 Pitt Street in the heart of the CBD. Featuring 241 premium residences and a 135-room luxury hotel, the project is set to become a key fixture in the city’s evolving architectural landscape.
BVN Architecture, led by Principal Phillip Rossington and Matthew Blair, is responsible for the tower’s design and interiors, with Principal Sally Campbell overseeing interior detailing. Meanwhile, FJC Studio, under the direction of Richard Francis-Jones, has designed the heritage podium and is leading the restoration of the original 1891 building.
A conceptual rendering of communal terraces, lounges, and high-end retail spaces within Sydney House.
Blending Heritage with Contemporary Design
The architectural concept harmonises old and new, integrating a contemporary tower with three historic buildings dating back over 130 years. The late Victorian architecture of the original City Tattersalls Club has been carefully interpreted in a modern context, creating a seamless connection between heritage and innovation.
By recessing and offsetting the new structure, the design respects the historical significance of the original facades while defining a new urban landmark. The residential tower appears to hover above the podium, reinforcing a sense of lightness and elegance. The vision behind Sydney House is to transform the site into a sophisticated urban destination while preserving its architectural heritage.
A Symphony of Old and New
The interplay between heritage and modernity is evident in the contrast between the arched windows of the original facades and the scalloped fenestration of the tower above. This thoughtful juxtaposition ensures that the past is not overshadowed by the present but instead celebrated.
“The fenestration has a rhythm inspired and inflected by the arched windows of the historic facades, subtly linking the forms while delineating new from old. This complimentary approach enriches the reading of the heritage buildings, so they’re appreciated in a new light.” said Principal Phillip Rossington.
Inside, craftsmanship from the past is reinterpreted through a refined contemporary aesthetic. The stepped form of the building introduces expansive terraces, drawing in natural light and offering panoramic views of Hyde Park, Darling Harbour, and Sydney Harbour. Residents in the penthouses will enjoy sweeping vistas across the city, from Circular Quay to the Heads.
A nod to history is found in the detailing of the tower’s cantilevered structure, where the exposed soffit is adorned with rosettes that echo the intricate ornamentation of the heritage facades.
A high-end apartment interior featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of Sydney Harbour.
FJC Studio’s Design Director, Richard Francis-Jones, highlighted the careful balance of historical restoration and modern intervention in the project:
“Sydney House is a remarkable ensemble of beautiful street facades and interior spaces across four eras, from Victorian Free Classical to today. We have adapted and restored three heritage buildings and designed a new contemporary infill building that completes the Pitt Street composition and defines the distinctive identity of Sydney House.
“The new infill facade is distinctly modern, with a depth, compositional character and material richness that complements the exceptional detail and beauty of the three heritage facades. The Victorian and Inter-War Palazzo style heritage facades have been carefully restored and enriched through new modern adaptive elements.
“New entrances, awnings, and shopfronts are refined contemporary designs inspired by the geometry and grandeur of the restored Art Deco rooms within. This integrated architectural approach extends to the interiors where the restored late Victorian and Art Deco spaces are complemented by a new grand staircase and public artworks, creating a cohesive and enriched experience for occupants and visitors in a unique multi-era, mixed-use Sydney House.”
A Joint Venture for the Future
The landmark development is being delivered through a partnership between Singapore-listed First Sponsor Group Limited and leading Melbourne-based developer ICD Property. The project is expected to set a new benchmark for luxury living in the Sydney CBD.
Prospective buyers will soon have the opportunity to invest in Sydney House Residences, which promises to redefine high-end urban living. With its exclusive access to premium amenities and its fusion of history and contemporary luxury, Sydney House is set to become one of the city’s most sought-after addresses.
First Sponsor Group CEO, Neo Teck Pheng, alongside ICD Property CEO, Matthew Khoo, emphasised the project’s significance:
“Sydney House Residences will offer a sophisticated expression of modern CBD living, capturing panoramic vistas to Sydney’s most beloved icons, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge as well as Hyde Park out to the north and south heads.”
With construction well underway, Sydney House is poised to become a jewel in the city’s skyline, setting a new standard for integrated heritage restoration and contemporary living in Australia’s most dynamic metropolis.
This article was originally published here.