History

Bold Brutalist architecture and strong social intent

The Sirius building is a landmark example of late 20th-century public housing design, notable for its bold Brutalist architecture and strong social intent.

Designed by architect Tao Gofers in the late 1970s, the building is characterised by its raw concrete construction, modular form, and geometric repetition. Its stacked, box-like apartments create a stepped profile, giving many units access to light, air, and views of Sydney Harbour.

Designed by architect Tao Gofers between 1978 and 1979

A key aspect of the design is its influence from Japanese Metabolist architecture, visible in the way individual dwelling “modules” are expressed externally and appear almost plug-in or prefabricated.

Beyond its visual style, the building was designed with a strong social purpose. It provided a mix of apartment types—ranging from single-level to multi-storey units—to accommodate a diverse community displaced from The Rocks area. The layout aimed to foster community interaction, while still offering privacy and access to outdoor spaces.

Overall, the Sirius building’s design combines monumental, sculptural form with human-centred social housing principles, making it both architecturally distinctive and culturally significant within Sydney’s urban landscape.

Thank You SOS
SOS Sirius
Sirius plan

Timeline

1960s–1970s: Origins & Context

  • 1960s–70s: Large-scale redevelopment of The Rocks displaces many long-term residents.
  • Early 1970s: The “Green Bans” movement (led by unionists like Jack Mundey) halts high-rise commercial redevelopment and pushes for community-focused housing.
  • Decision made to build social housing for displaced residents in the area.

1978–1981: Design & Construction

  • 1978–1979: Designed by architect Tao Gofers for the NSW Housing Commission.
  • 1979–1980: Construction of the Brutalist concrete complex.
  • 16 May 1981: Official opening.

Key features:

  • 79 apartments (mix of 1–4 bedrooms)
  • Designed to maintain community networks
  • Strong Brutalist / modular “stacked box” form

1980s–2014: Social Housing Era

  • Functions as public housing for decades.
  • Becomes home to a tight-knit community, many of whom had lived in The Rocks for generations.
  • Over time, the building becomes architecturally significant but socially under pressure due to rising land values.

2015–2018: Transition Period

  • 2015: The NSW Government announced plans to sell the building, generating strong community interest with public backlash and the launch of the “Save Our Sirius” campaign. Attempts were made during this time to secure the building a heritage listing.
  • 2017: Heritage listing formally refused despite expert recommendations.
  • January 2018: Remaining residents were relocated, and the building was vacated, marking the end of its original residential chapter and the beginning of its next phase.

2018: Recognition

  • Wins the NSW Enduring Architecture Award, highlighting its architectural importance despite political decisions.

2019: Sale & Redevelopment Plans

  • June 2019: Sold by NSW Government for ~$150 million to developer (JDH Capital).
  • Plans announced to:
    Retain structure
    Convert into luxury apartments
    Add retail and commercial spaces

2019–2021: Design Phase

  • BVN Architecture appointed to lead redesign.
  • Strategy: adaptive reuse—retain iconic form while upgrading interiors and adding new elements.

2022–2024: Redevelopment Construction

  • Major refurbishment and transformation works carried out.
  • Changes include:
    Reduction from 79 → ~75–76 apartments
    Larger, high-end residences
    New landscaping, retail, and amenities

2024–2025: Completion & Rebirth

  • Building re-emerges as a luxury residential development.
  • Apartments sell for multi-million-dollar prices, marking a dramatic shift from its social housing origins.
  • Wins recognition in architectural awards for adaptive reuse (2025).
Being Built
Post Redevelpment