The Toxteth Hotel, or “The Tocky” as it is affectionately known, has been a mainstay of the local community in Sydney for almost a century. The iconic art deco façade occupies a prime location at the top of Glebe Point Rd, and the sandstone escarpment.
We were approached by the client to design a rooftop extension, to take advantage of the sweeping city views over the terrace house chimneys of Glebe. The eastern section of the site had been neglected as a design opportunity, and was being used as a back of house area.
Drawing on the heritage and topography of the site, we developed a macro design of two asymmetric volumes, carefully inserted next to the original building fabric. The strong lines of the Ferry Rd hotel façade were respected and enhanced, by the addition of a discreet amenities wing, sitting under the original roof line. This allows the larger terrace volume to be comfortably set back from the Ferry Rd façade, and provide definition to the neglected Ferry Ln orientation.
The new building volumes have an interactive and refined relationship with the surrounding context, using detailed datum lines and operable glazing to create visual rhythm, light and shadow. There is a consistency to the spatio-material approach, using textured and deliberately split façade paneling, and gradient glazing films to subtly transition from the monolithic to the detail level.
The new roof top terrace is seamlessly connected to the first floor function space, using consistent materiality and detailing to stitch together old and new. A fun, textured and tactile material palette permeates throughout, using a holistic design language. Services are carefully concealed and integrated into the building fabric, enhancing the user experience.
A variety of seating options invite the customer to inhabit the space, ergonomically designed to effortlessly enjoy the environment. The terrace opens up to the sky and embraces the panoramic city view, creating a feeling of immersion in the wider context. If you’re in the neighbourhood, pop in for a celebratory drink and a chat with the friendly locals.
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