Substation Nº229 – Surry Hills

Under Construction: Due for Completion 2022

A heritage substation located on a tiny corner lot in the back lanes of Surry Hills is preserved and converted into a light-filled studio and a separate apartment complete with rooftop terrace.

The scheme retains the existing facade of the substation as well as the large open space within which once held the transformers that powered Surry Hills. The transformer room is preserved as a studio, the new concrete structure sitting high above the floor is set in from the existing facade allowing natural light into the space along the perimeter of the room, the glass junction clearly distinguishing the old masonry walls from the new concrete insertion floating above.

The new concrete structure houses a spacious two bedroom apartment split over 2 levels. A series of balconies and loggias contained within the bounds of the concrete cube offer a sense of openness and light to the main living spaces, further enhanced by high ceilings and highlight glazing where opportunities allow. At the top, a planted roof terrace with pergola offers year round sunlight, district views and relief from the tight urban setting below.