Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and James Mather Delaney breathe new life into an important part of Sydney’s history
April 22nd, 2009
The Paddington Reservoir in Sydney has been sensitively transformed into an urban park by Architects Tonkin Zulaikha Greer (TZG) and Landscape architects James Mather Delaney Design (JMD Design).
Originally built in two stages in 1866 and 1878 and designed by City Engineer, Edward Bell, the site once served as an integral part of Sydney’s early water supply system.
The Paddington Reservoir Gardens project has breathed new life into the heritage site. TZG listened to the character of the existing site, retaining much of the original features.
The large underground water chambers (which ceased operation in 1899) have been opened to the public, with a sunken garden and pond and a raised pre-cast concrete boardwalk in the western chamber.
While conservation work – including a section of graffiti art – in the eastern chamber and new timber columns and a waterproof concrete roof, have stabilised the existing brickwork and allowed the construction of the landscaped park above.
“Rather than capping off the site, we have opened the Western Chamber to a level below the street and integrated the original structure with a sunken garden. This creates an intimate space in a public facility,” says Tim Greer – TZG Director.
Lighting has been installed in the chambers to highlight the restored features of the original brickwork (including the brick arches of the vaults), with public access via stairs and viewing platforms.
The architects describe the lightweight roofs that float above the reservoir as counterpoints to the “solid earthiness of the masonry vaults” while a limited palette of materials – steel, aluminium and concrete – act as a contemporary industrial reference to that of the historic brick, cast iron and timber.
“This project offered us the opportunity to create a ruin, retaining original parts of the structure as free-standing fragments,” Tim says. “This is rare in a city as young as Sydney.”
The site opened in late March.
Images by Eric Sierins
Project Lighting consultants – Haron Robson
haronrobson.net
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Suitable for applications ranging from schools and retail outlets to computer rooms and X-ray suites, Palettone comes in two varieties and a choice of more than fifty colours.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Join the INDE.Summit 2023 for a full day of free content that explores the future of architecture and design in the Indo-Pacific.
Following five years of collaboration, i2C has formally joined forces with Ryder Architecture to form Ryder Alliance. Ryder Alliance includes i2C in Australia, Ryder Architecture in the UK, Hong Kong and like-minded firms across Europe.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
We spoke with Jeffrey Wilkes of WILKESDESIGN about the John Portman-designed building, which has been infused with touches of local culture and colour.
The AIA Alta Wellness Haven offers the complete package for health and wellbeing away from the busy city life in Hong Kong and does it through a stellar interior design.