Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Waterfall is an architectural project by Johnson Pilton Walker on behalf of The Crown Group, Inc. that establishes a new benchmark for activating a former industrial area in Sydney undergoing significant renewal.
This ground-breaking project was short-listed for a 2021 International Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
The multi-family housing development comprises a refined collection of three 7-storey buildings and a 20-storey sculptural tower.
The architects were awarded the project as part of a design competition process for a proposal that was sensitive to urban grain, texture, built form and public realm – guided by an approach to open up the buildings and let the landscape in.
Inspired by cascading water and dense forests, the scale of Waterfall’s communal open space allows for the insertion of a significant landscape area, able to support large mature trees over time.
Lush gardens frame a tranquil outdoor ‘billabong’ and bamboo-covered walkway on ground level.
Deep cuts into the floor plans ensure that a large amount of dwellings enjoy naturally lit and ventilated bathrooms, kitchens and studies, in addition to corridor and lobby spaces.
Materials in external spaces are robust to ensure longevity and are sustainably sourced to manage their embodied energy.
Cascading down one of the four buildings is a spectacular 7-storey man-made waterfall – the tallest of its type in Australia.
Sculpted from pre-cast structural concrete, the panels have a weathered sandstone-like texture similar to that found within caves and canyons where flowing water erodes the wall to create a ripple effect.
The grid is installed across the southern entry wall and is designed to allow the facade to respond to light and weather throughout the day and night.
Bringing together landscape and buildings into an integrated and sustainable system results in greater aesthetic quality and amenity for residents as well as the broader community and adjoining public domain.
The development also features a specially commissioned public artwork by artist Mika Utzon Popov which subtly ties the building to its surroundings.
The landscape design builds on the existing site’s natural and cultural features in responsible and creative ways, with the inclusion of a 730 sqm park contributed to the community.
This offer enhances the development’s natural environmental performance by co-ordinating water and soil management, solar access, micro-climate, tree canopy and habitat values.
It contributes to the positive image and contextual fit of the development through respect for future streetscape and neighbourhood character.
Project: Waterfall
Architects: Johnson Pilton Walker Pty Ltd. (JPW)
Associate Architects: Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects
Client: Crown Group Inc.
Contractor: Crown Group Inc.
Photographers: Martin Mischkulnig
