NSW Government
Planning

Bourke Street Apartments, Woolloomooloo

Case study

Although the Bourke Street apartments face a busy motorway, clever design and layout protect the homes from noise and other sensory challenges. Credit: Brett Boardman. Source: McGregor Westlake Architecture

This project sits on a complex block with 4 street frontages. While there is a pedestrian entry on Bourke Street and a car entry off a side street, the primary frontage faces the Eastern Distributor.

  • Although the Bourke Street apartments face a busy motorway, clever design and layout protect the homes from noise and other sensory challenges. Credit: Brett Boardman. Source: McGregor Westlake Architecture
    Image credit: Brett Boardman. Image source: McGregor Westlake Architecture.
  • Although the Bourke Street apartments face a busy motorway, clever design and layout protect the homes from noise and other sensory challenges. Credit: Brett Boardman. Source: McGregor Westlake Architecture
    Image credit: Brett Boardman. Image source: McGregor Westlake Architecture.
  • Although the Bourke Street apartments face a busy motorway, clever design and layout protect the homes from noise and other sensory challenges. Credit: Brett Boardman. Source: McGregor Westlake Architecture
    Image credit: Brett Boardman. Image source: McGregor Westlake Architecture.
  • Although the Bourke Street apartments face a busy motorway, clever design and layout protect the homes from noise and other sensory challenges. Credit: Sara Vita. Source: McGregor Westlake Architecture
    Image credit: Sara Vita. Image source: McGregor Westlake Architecture.
  • Although the Bourke Street apartments face a busy motorway, clever design and layout protect the homes from noise and other sensory challenges. Credit: Brett Boardman. Source: McGregor Westlake Architecture
    Image credit: Brett Boardman. Image source: McGregor Westlake Architecture.

The sensory challenges of this site have driven the design. The double wall containing the services, common circulation, bathroom and kitchen creates a sound buffer for the bedrooms and living areas, all of which open onto a protected courtyard within. 

Along Bourke Street, the frontage provides a more urbane street address through a retained heritage facade.

  1. Project type

    Mid-rise apartment (3 to 6 storeys)

  2. Architect/Designer

    McGregor Westlake Architecture

  3. Location

    • Aboriginal Country: Gadigal
    • Suburb: Woolloomooloo
    • LGA: City of Sydney

  4. Development details

    • Developer: Bespoke Properties
    • Site area (m2): 1,079
    • Land use zoning: MU1 - Mixed Use
    • Number of storeys: 2-5 storeys
    • Number of homes in new development: 31
    • Number of homes prior to development: 0
    • Total number of car parking spaces: 19

  5. Year

    Completed 2016