WINIM to redevelop 1905 Neutral Bay building into luxury apartments
The latest apartment developments plans in the exclusive Lower North Shore suburb of Neutral Bay are a little different to what is usually lodged.
Local developer WINIM are set to transform a landmark 1905-built duplex at 112-114 Wycombe Road, near the Neutral Bay village.
They've had Rothelowman create the unique design for The Wycombe, which will be a collection of just nine apartments across three levels.
The plans from Wycombe Road. Image credit: Rothelowman
WINIM Managing Director Justin Kuiters says, “As locals, we are committed to adding enduring value to Sydney’s Lower North Shore and passionate about creating the heritage of the future with homes that we would be proud to live in ourselves.”
“This site, which is really right in our own backyard, presents a unique opportunity for us to demonstrate our respect for the architectural character of the area," Kuiters says.
“Although the existing building is itself not listed as being of heritage significance and has undergone a number of alterations over the years, it is located within the Cremorne Conservation Area. As such, we’ve worked diligently with Rothelowman to come up with a thoughtful design solution to offer contemporary living that compliments the existing street context.”
A render of the original and new addition of The Wycombe. Image credit: Rothelowman
“The proposed alterations and additions are purposefully limited primarily to the building interior and the rear of the property. Everything has been carefully considered and is extremely sympathetic in preserving the Federation characteristic elements of the original built form.”
There will be nine apartments on offer, four three-bed apartments, four four-beds, and a single two-bed. The three-bedroom apartments start from 125 sqm of internal space, and the four-bedders from 149 sqm. The top level, full floor penthouse has nearly 210 sqm of internal space, and a further 90 sqm of external terracing.
Rothelowman noted in their design statement submitted to the local council that their design seeks to emulate and respectfully retain the elements of character, before contributing to a new phase in the building's history.
It was initially a residential building when it was created over 115 years ago, before it underwent substantial renovations in the 1970s where it was converted to a convalescent home. A major renovation in the 1990s saw it become a private residence with four units. Most recently the property has been a duplex, before WINIM bought the building earlier this year.
The design response seeks to establish, respond to, and respect the existing character of the 1905-built building.
The original roofline will be reinstated, with the gable roof removed. Rothelowman said the existing character is prioritized.
"Any addition is recessive and does not seek to imitate character. An acknowledgement that any protruding element will be of a distinct difference, but complimentary to character; tying both existing and proposed design elements together," they noted.
A render of the rear addition of The Wycombe. Image credit: Rothelowman
"A contemporary addition draws upon character cues in materiality and proportion to sit comfortably yet contrasting to the existing."
WINIM Development Manager Jessica Duce said the team undertook extensive research and community engagement before the lodgement.
“The feedback has been positive, and we have taken input from multiple consultations with neighbours and with council to achieve something that is in keeping with the residential scale and character of the area," Duce said.
