A proposed cluster of high-density towers for Sydney Olympic Park (SOP) will strengthen the precinct’s status as a new and attractive residential precinct for Sydney.
Designed by BVN, the development at 2 Figtree Drive consists of 694 apartments across four buildings sharing a five-level basement and a combined 1,500sqm of retail space.
The project has been designed in line with the Sydney Olympic Park Authority’s (SOPA) masterplan which will see SOP gradually transition from a two- and three-storey low-density commercial region to a residential mixed-use zone of buildings between eight to 31 storeys high.
Already we’ve seen three major proposals from Bates Smart architects for the Park, including the now completed Australian Towers, as well as another two-tower project lodged last year for Olympic Boulevard.
As the name suggests, 2 Figtree Drive will front Figtree Drive but will also face Australia Avenue and be located just down the road from Australia Towers. Its four buildings are of varying heights - Building 1 (12 levels), Building 2 (28/31 levels), Building 3 (9 levels), Building 4 (22/23 levels) - and contain one to three bedroom apartments. These buildings reinforce the street pattern, whilst Building 2 forms part of the precinct gateway. Retail use is located on the highly visible and active Australia Avenue, allowing the retail use to open onto a north facing terrace with the existing fig trees on the north-east corner of the site.
The development is near Sydney Olympic Park facilities and within easy walking distance to the Sydney Olympic Park rail station.
Building 4 cantilever viewed from Figtree Drive and View Corridor
Each building has a distinct and strong form, with the podium articulated as a white veil through which coloured elements can be glimpsed. Different colours give each building its own identity while maintaining a cohesive site and consistent built street edge. The tower elements have their own character, with expressed apartment ‘pods’ stacked within a precast concrete frame. These elements sit atop a brick plinth, which interlocks with the white shroud of the podium.
Designed to encourage social interaction and engagement, the proposal provides large common garden areas in the courtyard with pocketed areas with landscaped planter beds, a bocce court, entertainment spaces and vegetable gardens. The proposal also includes play equipment, a community room, and a gym/yoga studio.
The project is currently being assessed by NSW planning.
