Residential

Modernising the motel

Sydney's beach gets new landmark from PTW

by James 17 December 2009
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    PTW Architects’ winning competition design involved the conversion of an existing nine storey motel into a superlative contemporary apartment building with ground floor retail and restaurants.Reminiscent of the elegance of 1930's-era architecture, The Bondi’s glass curves and striking angles across its exterior create a bold statement against the skyline, responding to both the beachfront location and the unique architectural flavour of Bondi’s iconic esplanade.

    The Bondi features two striking design components: at the lower levels, the ‘podium’ is wrapped with art-deco inspired bay windows, to mirror the facades along Bondi’s promenade, while the dramatic curves of the ‘tower’ levels, standing high above the surrounding streetscape, define its majestic external form. The two storey podium provides studio and one-bed apartments. To complete the variety of accommodation the three-bed apartments in the tower have glazed wintergardens and bays overlooking the ocean.

    The building has the highest possible standards of environmental measures incorporated in the design to conserve energy, prevent water and air pollution and manage waste produced by the building. These include gas-boosted solar water heating panels, rainwater harvesting with a 5,000 litre water tank and recycling of over 50% of the existing structure. Construction of The Bondi commenced in June 2007 and was completed in May 2009.

    The building has been designed to the highest design standards, with subtle contemporary architecture recalling the style of early modern and art deco era buildings and allowing The Bondi to sit comfortably amid the elegant 1930's-era architecture that curves the length of the beachfront promenade.

    Australia

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