The positive contribution to an extant setting is considered vital to any significant project’s success. There is a need to balance the insertion of new within an historical context, and for neither the new or the old to be compromised. This requires a significant amount of consideration and ground-truthing and exemplified in the proposal for an extension of the QT Hotel in Sydney submitted to the City of Sydney. The building occupies a site in a precinct rich in heritage, in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

The proposed building will be situated opposite the historic Queen Victoria Building on George Street and will replace two existing buildings – the former Globe Theatre at 458-466 George Street and the former Dudley House at 468-472 George Street.

Sandwiched between the Gowings building, which the existing QT hotel occupies, the State Theatre Annexe, the design of the extension will respond to the adjoining heritage buildings in both form and materiality.

The design respects the historic character of the sandstone façades in Sydney in a contemporary way, but also looks at all the complexities associated with building in such a sensitive area. It is its own building as well. It makes a positive contribution to the streetscape that draws upon the Byzantine nature and architectural influences of the Queen Victoria Building and understands it in the post-Newtonian world.

We wanted to create something that is incredibly beautiful on the street, that absorbs the light within its materials and creates an appropriate warmth as a well-suited companion to the Queen Victoria Building. It will enable both sides of George Street – the eastern side of the Queen Victoria Building in the morning and the western side of our part of George Street in the afternoon – to glow with that golden warmth that is Sydney. The project will also include minor changes to the interior of State Theatre and Gowings buildings as well as an upgrade to the back of house facilities of the State Theatre. Parlour Lane will also be invigorated to become a welcoming public thoroughfare.

–

Render: DARCSTUDIO