Dezeen Magazine

Exterior image of No. 6 Sydney Street

Wood Marsh references "sinuous curves of nature" in Melbourne apartment block

Architecture studio Wood Marsh has created the No. 6 Sydney Street apartment block in a suburb of Melbourne, with an exterior of protruding floorplates and mushroom-like columns.

Located in the suburb of Prahran, No. 6 Sydney Street provides 15 apartments across six storeys that are oriented to overlook the natural landscape of the adjacent Orrong Romanis Reserve.

Curving facade at No. 6 Sydney Street
No. 6 Sydney Street is a residential apartment block by Wood Marsh

Melbourne-based Wood Marsh was commissioned for the project by Australian developer V-Leader.

The studio drew on the site's proximity to the park to create the block's curving, sculptural form, which is set back from the road to create the space for a garden of its own.

Detail image of the nature-informed facade in Australia
The facade is informed by "sinuous curves of nature"

"Referencing the sinuous curves of nature, the asymmetrical building appears to be carved from a singular raw material, abstracting its composition," said Wood Marsh.

"Deep rippling along the undulant facades results in a conscious layering of positive and negative spaces, allowing the integration of intermittent gardens with vegetation growing to further soften the forms," it continued.

Above two basement levels of parking, there is a path through the gardens at the front of the block that leads beneath a canopy created by the first floor and into a small wood-lined entrance area.

Minimalist apartment interior at No. 6 Sydney Street
Fifteen apartments cover six storeys

Above, the No. 6 Sydney Street apartments range in size from 90 to 338 square metres, and from two bedrooms to a large four-bedroom residence occupying the entire third floor.

Glazed walls follow the undulating form of each level's floorplate, set back to create space for pockets of planted areas, small balconies and terraces framed by white, mushroom-like columns.

The minimal apartment interiors are organised around the block's central circulation core and feature white paint, polished plaster and marble surfaces. These are contrasted by black-stained timber carpentry in the kitchen areas and fluted timber sinks in the bathrooms.

"Each of the residences is unique with different access to light, sightlines, and terraces," explained the studio.

Kitchen area with breakfast bar
No. 6 Sydney Street's interiors have a minimal finish

"Many of the interior surfaces are softened with the use of curving volumes and plaster, taking cues from the exterior form," it continued.

"Highly crafted joinery in natural timber and book-matched marble add to the overall feeling of warmth, contrast, and a refined approach to pared-down luxury."

Dark wood kitchen with stone counter tops
Dark carpentry contrasts with white surfaces

Wood Marsh was founded in 1983 by Roger Wood and Randal Marsh.

Previous projects by the studio include a clubhouse for a golf club in Lonsdale, and a nearby surf club designed to blend in with the surrounding sand dunes.

The photography is courtesy of Wood Marsh. 

More images and plans

Ground floor plan of No.6 Sydney Street
Ground floor plan
First floor plan of No. 6 Sydney Street
First floor plan
Fourth floor plan of No.6 Sydney Street
Fourth floor plan
Exterior of No. 6 Sydney Street by Wood Marsh
Exterior of No. 6 Sydney Street by Wood Marsh
Interior of No. 6 Sydney Street by Wood Marsh
Interior of No. 6 Sydney Street by Wood Marsh
Interior of No. 6 Sydney Street by Wood Marsh
Interior of No. 6 Sydney Street by Wood Marsh
Interior of No. 6 Sydney Street by Wood Marsh
Interior of No. 6 Sydney Street by Wood Marsh
Interior of No. 6 Sydney Street by Wood Marsh
Interior of No. 6 Sydney Street by Wood Marsh
Interior of No. 6 Sydney Street by Wood Marsh
Interior of No. 6 Sydney Street by Wood Marsh
Interior of No. 6 Sydney Street by Wood Marsh
Interior of No. 6 Sydney Street by Wood Marsh