The Newcastle harbourside development attracting the attention of award judges

Given the requirement to consider the heritage-listed building, the architects could have taken two paths – create a sharp contrast or, as they decided, build apartments that reflect the same time period, but still have points of difference.

So, while the first floor was converted into loft-style apartments, the upper eight levels were constructed in a sandy coloured brick, but in nine different shades – a light hue to brown.

“The tone is darker at the top,” says Durbach. “We wanted to create a more shadowy, subtle presence”.

In keeping with the original curved parapets, the one, two and three-bedroom apartments – varying in size from 55 to 110 square metres – include curved windows, some convex and others concave.

There is also a series of arched windows and doors, as well as arched porticos on the terraces at the top level.

“We were keen to frame Nobby’s Head, as well as the nearby Christ Church cathedral,” says Durbach.

Conceiving the layouts and the finishes for the apartments was also carefully orchestrated, with materials that responded to the building’s structure. Hence, there are curved island benches clad in timber, timber floors and raw concrete columns inside.

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Given their near-waterfront location, each of the apartments comes with its own outdoor terrace, with one on the third level benefiting from being perched on the original building.

While the original façade of the building is relatively intact – particularly the first floor with its steel-framed windows – a number of careful design moves were made. These included a new curved oculus in the canopy to allow for greater light along the pavement, and offering a view of the new apartments, as well as re-articulating the original shopfronts that are now earmarked for commercial use.

For Durbach and his team, the Newcastle East End apartments create a softness in the streetscape when viewed from the grounds of the cathedral or the streets above. “It feels quite unique but, at the same time, familiar in an environment that requires a lighter touch,” says Durbach.

Given the success of the development, stage 2 of the project, the design for which will come from a competition, looks on the cards.

Stephen Crafti is a specialist in contemporary design, including architecture, furniture, fashion and decorative arts.

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