BLUE at Lavender Bay is an inspired example of how commercial buildings can be converted into high density, luxurious residential dwellings, in harmony with local landscapes.

Innovative design allowed a 20-storey office structure to be transformed into a stunning apartment complex featuring 125 residences. The tower’s bulky, impermeable pre-cast exterior was recreated into an articulated elegant façade using curved glass wintergardens and balconies with horizontal slim steel structures, stainless steel balustrades and fritted glass screens complementing the new, lighter look.

Commercial towers are designed to very different parameters from residential, the most significant difference being the consideration of how people live rather than just where they work. Substantial challenges included relocating the central lift and services core to optimise floor space for residential use and creating highly permeable walls with operable exteriors to counteract sealed office wall space. These were overcome using creative design solutions which resonated with the overall beauty of the new façade.

Casual, refined luxury was captured in stone, timber and brass trims channelling a light harbourside mood, inspired by its location near the art deco icons of Sydney Harbour Bridge and North Sydney Pool.

Innovative design was also evident in the construction of new floorplans eliminating large open floor plates, common in commercial buildings, to allow for a range of different tenant driven subdivisions with specific bathroom, kitchen, dining/living and bedroom spaces.

Adding new purpose to the public space, the two-storey base podium engaged Lavender and Cliff Streets by offering locals new cafes and eateries, which quickly became popular. The generous lift lobby also invites interaction amongst residents, connecting to a communal space and residents’ library, perfect for shared events.

Client
Aqualand

Awards
2023 UDIA NSW & Coronation Awards for Excellence - Urban Renewal (Commendation)

2023 Property Council Innovation & Excellence Awards – Best Residential Development

2023 CTBUH Award of Excellence Winner in the Repositioning Category

2022 UDIA NSW Crown Group Awards for Excellence – Excellence in High Density Development (Commendation)

2022 Urban Taskforce Development Excellence Awards, High Density Residential Development

2022 The Urban Developer Awards, Development of the Year - Urban Regeneration (Finalist)

2022 The Urban Developer Awards, Development of the Year - High-Density Residential (Finalist)