The prominent site on the corner of South Dowling and Fitzroy Streets offered an extraordinary opportunity to create a striking landmark building. Our design establishes this location as the eastern gateway to Surry Hills by providing a remarkable architectural intervention.
The twisting form of the contemporary addition to the adjoining restored terrace house is achieved by slanting green zinc fins attached to a curtain wall of double curved glass. The zinc fins control the amount of sun entering this commercial office space and screen the office spaces from its exposed environment, while allowing an abundance of natural light to enter.
Expand ContentThe design respects the scale, proportions and rhythm of the surrounding built forms and heritage conservation area by building up to the corner and stepping down at the rear. The original terrace house has been restored and stands in contrast to the unapologetically contemporary addition. The tiered rear addition follows the sloping site and relates to the smaller scale terraces of the adjoining conservation area. The steps form balconies for the building’s occupants, Howatson+Company, a leading creative agency.
Designed by Those Architects, the interior fit out places long central desks on the three levels of the glass addition, while different styles of meeting rooms are housed in the restored terrace. The lower ground floor has a well-appointed communal kitchen and canteen seating that has been shielded from the footpath with a vertical brick screen, resulting in a private yet light space.
2025 Winner UDIA Development Awards for Excellence Commercial Development
2025 Commendation AIA NSW Architecture Award for Commercial
