Sydney’s skyline is set to change forever with an eye-catching and spectacular roof taking shape over the new Sydney Fish Market. Featuring an intricate and unique design, the new Sydney Fish Market with its wave-like roof design is set to leave a memorable and significant change near the heart of the harbour city. It’s the kind of prestige aiming at prestige reminiscent of the Opera House, with talk of creating a new iconic tourist destination. 

The roof form is a key feature of the project and testament to cutting-edge engineering and environmental sustainability. With its floating design, the roof is designed to evoke a gentle wave, encompassing a bustling market underneath, while sunlight will naturally illuminate the upper levels. 

Incorporating unique design elements, the new Sydney Fish Markey seeks to retain an authentic market experience while strengthening its position as one of Australia’s leading tourist destinations.  

The roof, which is the largest timber roof in the Southern Hemisphere, is constructed of exposed glulam beams and roof-lights assembled on Glebe Island, delivered by barge, significantly reducing the number of trucks on the road. 

The roof utilises natural lighting to reduce energy consumption, while collecting rainwater for recycling and integrated solar panels which contributes to the daily energy consumption of the building. This innovative design concept fits with the NSW Governments vision of achieving net-zero goals, and City of Sydney’s vision of carbon-neutral precincts. 

Designed by 3XN Architects in association with BVN and landscape architects ASPECT Studios, the architects are also working closely with Multiplex and Infrastructure NSW to realise the building at the head of Blackwattle Bay. The new Sydney Fish Market is indeed a key pillar in the transformation of Blackwattle Bay, where the creation of 6000 square metres of new public domain involves returning foreshore to the public as well as improving pedestrian and cycling links. 

Related: More from Fred Holt on the design

The new Sydney Fish Market will be the biggest in the Southern hemisphere, supporting fishers and coastal fishing towns all along the NSW coast. 

Infrastructure NSW CEO, Tom Gellibrand says: “I am excited to see major progress at the new Sydney Fish Market and now the roof has started to take shape, we can begin to get a sense of how this world-class cultural icon for Sydney will look. The floating roof, which is a key design element will be an impressive site to see and will be a testament to cutting-edge engineering and environmental sustainability. The new Sydney Fish Market has an intricate design that will forever change the city skyline creating an iconic destination for Sydney, just as the Opera House did when it was built.”

3XN Architects Partners Fred Holt and Audun Opdal also comment: “It is an exciting opportunity to design an iconic new piece of infrastructure in such a key location on Sydney Harbour. The overall design is focused on facilitating a popular hub; a visually spectacular place for people to enjoy interacting, relaxing and connecting – not only for the local community but also for tourists.

“3XN/GXN’s design goal was to create an authentic Fish Market experience, putting on display the ‘theatre’ of an operating market, while becoming a catalyst for community activity – and all while being highly sustainable, as seen through the floating roof design that integrates PV’s, rainwater harvesting and daylight and natural ventilation.”

Catherine Skinner, BVN Principal adds that “it is a great opportunity to be a part of the design and execution of the New Sydney Fish Market. Working closely with our collaborators, we are proud to be able to bring this complex and iconic piece of infrastructure to the Sydney Harbour — creating a catalyst for public activity and engagement that will service the local community and tourists alike.”

3XN
3xn.com

BVN
bvn.com.au

ASPECT Studios
aspect-studios.com

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