Midnight Blue thin brick tiles from Robertson's Building Products Pty Ltd line the ceiling and walls in sweeping curves at the grand entrance of Eve Apartments, creating an impressive approach to the modern residential building. The combination of the striking sculptural façade of white glazed tiles and thin brick tiles delivers a sophisticated design masterpiece and a new local landmark.
Designed by DKO Architecture for developers Fridcorp with Hecker Guthrie on interiors, 360 Degrees on landscaping and Richard Crookes Construction as the builder, Eve Apartments on the corner of Macdonald and Eve Streets is centrally located in Erskineville. The promise of impeccable design at an affordable price ensured that all 197 apartments across four buildings in one-, two- and three-bedroom configurations, sold off the plan even before construction commenced on the project. The striking exterior is matched by luxurious interiors and abundant leafy communal spaces, topped off with city skyline views.
Nick Byrne, director at DKO explained that the relationship between site and surrounding suburb is intrinsic to the project’s design language, and in particular its use of brickwork. He observes that it is conceived, designed and shaped as a response to a range of local elements, along with an honest and robust materiality.
Midnight Blue thin brick tiles, supplied by Robertson’s Building Products, perfectly matched DKO’s design intent.
According to Byrne, the brick tiles flow across the entrance, being lightweight enough to line the sweeping curve while robust enough to withstand all weather conditions and the high traffic at the entrance. The thin brick tiles have a beautiful lustre, and offer textural richness and contrast to the stark white bricks of the façade.
The sensual curve of Midnight Blue thin brick tiles punctuated by sharply framed balcony slots creates a dynamic entry statement of vertical and horizontal movement. Byrne explains that the dynamic form of the entry arch is generated by a curve that swoops up, then down to ground the brickwork. The use of brickwork on the façade is one of a number of contextual responses to the neighbourhood, especially the distinctive brick arch of a nearby rail underpass as well as the old brick kilns that once existed in the vicinity.
Key features in the beautiful apartment development also include lush landscaping on the ground floor and roof, and European style ‘stoops’ along major street lines combining to create a vibrant sense of community; Level 4’s rooftop garden, complete with built-in timber seats offering a friendly communal space for residents and their guests; and mature trees and plants along the gently winding pathways providing a warm welcome into the apartments.
Paul Fridman, founder and director of Fridcorp, says, “We’re very proud of Eve – from its exceptional design to its high-quality interiors and the development’s exemplary communal spaces. We think the project demonstrates that Sydney’s apartment planning guidelines allow for the realisation of excellent design.”
