A boarding house proposed for Redfern, inner-Sydney, would raise the standard for co-living housing, going “above and beyond in terms of quality and generosity,” according to its proponents.
Designed by Sydney firm Mark Shapiro Architect, the six-storey building at 175–177 Cleveland Street would house 120 self-contained studios, accommodating 188 lodgers in a range of single and double rooms. It’s expected the rooms will be taken up by students and young professionals looking for affordable accommodation close to universities and the CBD.
Common spaces would include a cafe, multiple open landscaped areas designed by landscape architect Wallman Partners and activity spaces intended to formally and informally promote social interaction and foster a sense of community. On the roof terrace there will be a covered outdoor BBQ area and outdoor cinema.
A concept render for 175–177 Cleveland Street boarding house by Mark Shapiro Architect.
Image: Supplied
Mark Shapiro Architect’s design aims to respond to the surrounding context through its massing and materiality.
The building would be made up of three forms: a four-storey masonry “base,” a large central landscaped courtyard and a recessive metal clad upper level, set back from the street.
“The chamfered corners of the Cleveland Street frontage are enhanced by the cutout of the corner balconies, and folding back brick detailing for the main entry and corner café,” the practice notes in planning documents.
“Internally, the central courtyard cutout allows for natural light and ventilation amenities for the building, and provides a separation of the mass from the southern neighbours. This central cut-out also provides for the large landscaped courtyard to be viewed from within the building.”
Window boxes and balconies punctuate and articulate the façade, and artwork by a local artist from the Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative will be incorporated into these facade features.
“The public artwork intends to aide an understanding of the complex cultural context of the Redfern area and Country,” Mark Shapiro Architect notes.
Developer EG Funds Management has submitted a state-significant development application for the proposal to the NSW planning department. The application is on public exhibit until 23 November.
