The Bowery: A fusion of past and present in Sydney's Alexandria

The building's design, envisioned by The Architecture Company, pays homage to Alexandria's rich history
The Bowery: A fusion of past and present in Sydney's Alexandria
Alison Warters July 21, 2023PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

The Bowery, a boutique collection of 25 apartments, stands as a testament to the evolution of Alexandria.

Developed by VDM, the apartments offer a unique double-storey layout, combining private bedroom retreats with open-plan living areas that seamlessly flow onto inviting terraces and courtyards.

The building's design, envisioned by The Architecture Company, pays homage to Alexandria's rich history. Dark face brickwork, complemented by dark and off-white rendered exterior blades, along with black-framed windows and doors, create a harmonious interplay of finishes and forms. The modern industrial aesthetic is further accentuated by the metal-clad upper levels, adding a touch of contemporary elegance to the facade.

Alexandria has been rapidly transforming from an industrial city fringe suburb into a vibrant hub of creativity, cuisine, and culture. Taking inspiration from the urban revival seen in iconic cities like New York, The Bowery represents a fusion of the past and the future.

Alexandria's rejuvenation has seen old warehouses transformed into inventive eateries, event spaces, and designer furniture stores. The Grounds of Alexandria and Saporium at The Cannery, both gourmet food precincts, have become lively hubs of activity, complementing the area's cherished antique stores and rag trade headquarters.

The upcoming $8 billion Green Square Town Centre project is also helping to revitalise Sydney's oldest industrial heartland, transforming it into a thriving, sustainable community and commercial centre.

Ralph Street and its surroundings are undergoing rezoning and redevelopment, transforming into a high-growth residential corridor dotted with imaginative buildings. The Bowery enjoys a prime location, just a short walk away from local cafes, supermarkets, CBD buses, and Green Square Station, providing quick access to the airport and city centre. The vibrant urban villages and nightlife hotspots of Erskineville, Newtown, Redfern, and Surry Hills are also within easy reach, as are Sydney University and UTS.

Influenced by the heritage of the area, Allen Jack+Cottier utilised bold polished concrete floors and plywood accents throughout, coupled with a clever use of full-height glazing and glass louvres which enhance the sense of space and natural light throughout.

Residents had a choice from two colour schemes, featuring paler and darker tones, which extend to the kitchens and bathrooms.

Crowning the building is a landscaped rooftop, offering views down the tree-lined street, with a pergola providing shade alongside a community garden. 

Alison Warters

Alison Warters is a property journalist for Urban, based in Sydney. Alison is especially interested in the evolution of the New Build/Development space, when it comes to design innovation and sustainability.

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