Kerry Hill Architects has won an international design competition to redevelop the iconic Gold Fields House tower in Sydney’s Circular Quay.
The Singapore and Western Australia-based firm beat off stiff competition from Johnson Pilton Walker and BVN Architects, along with Benedetta Tagiabue of EMBT in Barcelona and London firm MAKE.
The winning design incorporates two apartment buildings that will replace the existing structure at One Alfred Street. There will be a slender 33-storey residential tower, along with a smaller building, public space and access to existing laneways.
Kerry Hill Architects principal, Kerry Hill, said: “The opportunity called for a building of stature yet restraint, a design that does not try to compete with the Opera House and the bridge and one that respects its location at the birthplace of Sydney and Australia.”
The winning submission was selected by a jury panel of six, including three nominated by the City of Sydney: NSW government architect Peter Mould, director of PTW Andrew Andersons and Peter-John Cantrill, director of Tzannes Associates. A further three panel members were nominated by Valad, these being Bob Nation of Nation Architects, and Tim Amber and Peter Hurley of Valad.
Peter Hurley, managing director of developer Valad, said he was “delighted” with the outcome of the competition.
“The objective has been to select an architect who has demonstrated design excellence and the ability to improve the public domain,” Hurley said.
Partnering with the City of Sydney for the design competition was “instrumental” in attracting submissions from world-class architects, he said.
The design will incorporate a gym, swimming pool and club facilities, together with publically accessible restaurants, cafes and retail.
A development application will be lodged with Sydney City Council in mid-2010.
