In the heart of Surry Hills, Sydney, architecture firm SJB completed 52 Reservoir Street, a mixed-use commercial building that instantly catches the eye with its vibrant aquamarine facade. Rising above the street with a sculptural presence, the project introduces a fresh architectural identity while drawing inspiration from the rich history of the neighborhood.
The site itself carries decades of local history. For three generations, the Frack family operated a compressor workshop here, beginning in 1936. Over the years, the property witnessed the evolution of Surry Hills as the area transformed from a collection of cottages and workshops into one of Sydney’s most sought-after urban neighborhoods. Today, that industrial legacy has made way for a modern workplace designed for a new generation of businesses.
A Facade Designed to Be Seen
The most distinctive feature of the building is its colorful exterior. Sculpted from custom glazed bricks, the aquamarine facade confidently announces the building’s presence along Reservoir Street. Its vivid finish brings energy to the streetscape while referencing the masonry character that has long defined the area.
The facade isn’t simply flat or uniform. As it rises upward, the building introduces a scalloped form that adds movement and texture. The curved geometry creates changing patterns of light and shadow throughout the day, giving the structure a different appearance depending on where it is viewed from.
SJB worked with custom glazed bricks from San Selmo, creating a finish that feels both contemporary and tactile. Up close, the brickwork reveals the craftsmanship behind the design, with every curved surface contributing to the building’s sculptural quality.
Workspaces, Rooftop Gardens, and New Public Spaces
Beyond its striking facade, 52 Reservoir Street introduces a number of features that enhance both the workplace and the surrounding neighborhood. A new laneway connecting Reservoir and Foster Streets restores a pedestrian link that had been absent for more than a century. Overhead, an installation by artist Marisa Purcell casts shifting patterns of light and shadow, while a restaurant and bar at street level bring activity to the public realm.
Above, eight levels of boutique office space benefit from column-free floorplates and expansive glazing that fills the interiors with natural light. Occupants also have access to landscaped courtyards and a partially covered rooftop terrace featuring built-in planters, a variety of seating areas, and a fully stainless-steel outdoor kitchen.
Additional details, including custom terracotta mosaic tiles from Surface Gallery, bespoke wallpaper by Black Beetle, and generous end-of-trip facilities, contribute to a workplace experience that extends well beyond a typical office building.
52 Reservoir Street shows how commercial architecture can contribute more than just office space. Through its vibrant aquamarine brick facade, sculptural form, public laneway, rooftop gardens, and flexible workplaces, SJB has created a building that adds character and activity to the neighborhood.