Originally completed in 2004, the Darling Island Apartments are situated on a virtual island at the western side of Darling Harbour, with water frontage and Sydney city views.

The lobbies and public areas of the development lacked the style and luxury of the apartments and didn’t capitalise on their harbour views.

Tony Owen Partners – with a project team consisting of Tony Owen, Rashna Sholapurwala, Esan Rahmini and Kathryn Hynand – were brought on to create a sense of exclusivity in the entry spaces, within a tight budget.

The team used luxurious materials such as stone, bronze mirror and Italian geometric tiles. For extra visual effect, the designers worked with Yellow Goat, who specialise in unique lighting installations, to create ’giant fractal jelly fish’ to feature in each lobby.

Rhino scripting was used to generate the geometry of the 5 metre long structures, which glow at night for a powerful impact.

Laser cut screens, designed by artist Gary Dermeidjian and inspired by the maritime artefacts found at the original site of the development, mark the entries of each lobby.

The result is a striking series of entry and public spaces that bring new style and life to the Darling Island Apartments.

Tony Owen Partners
tonyowen.com.au