“On a civic scale, Sirius prioritises reconnection with the site and local community by carefully stitching the building back into its urban context, surrounding streets and pedestrian pathways of The Rocks.”
Peter Titmuss
Principal, BVN
Project Info
Client
JDH Capital
Architect
BVN
Completed
2024
Adaptive reuse revitalises The Rocks
The restoration of the iconic Sirius Building into modern apartments in The Rocks represents significant adaptive reuse. The restored building provides premium amenities, including revitalised common area (the Phillip Room), which retains original features such as timber batten walls, ceiling and bison artworks.
Innovative engineering solutions preserved the historic façade, including prefabricated steel structures and imported copper to retain the original Brutalist expression. Digital engineering, including sophisticated visualisations, BIM modelling and augmented reality supported all stages of delivery.
Vertical transport challenges created by the five interconnected buildings were solved by designing lift cores in the building’s ‘spine’. Custom springs and shock absorbers were also incorporated to manage load bearing and vibration challenges related to the seven private terrace pools.
Awards
Winner – Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing, 2025 NSW Architecture Awards
Winner - Adaptive Reuse: over $2 million, 2025 AIB Professional Excellence Awards
Winner - Best Tall Building under 100 meters, 2025 Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) Awards
Winner - Completed Buildings: Retrofit, 2025 World Architecture Festival
