Alexander is one of only two infill-housing developments in Australia’s largest urban renewal project, Barangaroo, on Sydney Harbour.
It occupies a prominent site on one of the precinct’s key axes: the pubic promenade linking Pyrmont to Circular Quay, and the Margaret Street extension connecting the CBD to Barangaroo.
Flanked by Sydney Harbour to the west and three large commercial towers to the east, Alexander is heroically residential in nature, mediating between both and speaking of a human scale in a public setting. From the harbour, it acts as an anchor for the towers beyond.
At ground level, six metre ceilings encourage maximum permeability and activation of food outlets to the west and retail shops along an intimate laneway to the east.
Above ground, 68 apartments are designed over six levels. Residents enter through one of four apartment lobbies along the eastern elevation for privacy, before being delivered into open plan apartments optimising harbour views. Every apartment features generous balconies for outdoor living and views. Two storey rooftop apartments boast private gardens, while a communal roof provides amenity for all.
The building is defined by a permeable operable shutter system, soft grey zinc with vertical pops of colour speaking of the vibrancy of Sydney, and lush hanging gardens.