Nestled in the heart of Sydney’s financial district, One Farrer stands as an iconic landmark, enriched by its historical significance and award-winning architecture. The Premium-grade dual-tower stands on the site of the First Government House and after 30 years, the building continues to deliver one of Sydney’s best workplace experiences.
One Farrer’s design before its time
One Farrer was designed by Denton Corker Marshall Architects following a highly competitive international design competition. Acclaimed Australian architects Jeff Walker and Richard Johnson1 were Directors in Charge for the project which commenced construction in 1990. On completion in 1993, One Farrer comprised two towers connected by a striking loggia.
Mr Walker and Mr Johson reflect, “One Farrer was one of those projects that is a once in a generation opportunity. For the time, the design was well ahead of anything that was happening in Australia. The plan was never to produce a building of its time, we were creating something timeless.”
Photography: Joshua Hill
Hallmarks of the One Farrer design include the grand proportions of the lobby, the use of local Sydney sandstone and a series of carefully curated artworks.
One Farrer was one of the first major buildings in Sydney to embrace sandstone - the natural stone of the city - using the material that complements the climate and landscape.
Richard Johnson reflects, “All of the great cities of the world use materials that seem right in their climate and landscape; think of Paris with limestone; London with Portland stone.”
The foyers of One Farrer are bathed in natural light through the glass roof that illuminates the sandstone and provides a radiant glow.
One Farrer also pioneered the integration of art in city architecture which was a visionary approach as a means of interpreting place. The major artworks were commissioned prior to the building’s completion after a limited design competition.
The design brief of timelessness has been met and ensures ongoing high-profile tenancy.
Thank you to the customers of One Farrer
The 30 year anniversary is an opportunity for co-owners Dexus and Lendlease to celebrate One Farrer’s continued contribution to the CBD and to thank its customers for their ongoing support. One Farrer’s legacy customers include Omera Partners, Wingate House, Crescent Capital, Walker and Nomura who have been customers for over 10 years. Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Grant Samuel, and Sydney Institute have been customers for over 20 years and King & Wood Mallesons, Egon Zehnder and Posco for over 25 years.
Renae Lattey | Chief Executive Partner, Australia | King & Wood Mallesons
“One Farrer is one of Sydney’s most iconic buildings and we are proud to have called it home for more than 25 years. It showcases the best of Sydney, offering our people and our clients a unique harbour panorama while doing business in one of the city’s commercial hubs. We congratulate Dexus and Lendlease on 30 years of One Farrer."
Tom Mott | State Managing Director – NSW | Savills Australia
“Since moving into One Farrer in 2017, we have loved the amenity of the building, the customer service and experience of working in an iconic Sydney office building.”
Kate Thorley | CEO | Wilson Asset Management
“We have built a strong connection with One Farrer which has been integral to our growth journey. The concierge team and amenities are the best in the CBD providing our team with invaluable support so they can concentrate on making a difference for our shareholders.”
Footnote:
1The lead Architects, Jeff Walker and Richard Johnson were working for Denton Corker Marshall when the firm was appointed to design One Farrer. Mr Walker and Mr Johnson formed Johnson Pilton Walker in 2001, following the completion of One Farrer.
Hero Image - Phototography: Steve Brown
