Heritage-inspired centrepiece redefines Sydney’s CBD streetscape

135 King Street has undergone a dramatic transformation, emerging as a striking fusion of heritage and contemporary design, playing a pivotal role in the reinvigoration of Sydney’s CBD.

Positioned on a key east-west axis, this landmark now stands as a rhythmic centrepiece of the street, offering a sophisticated blend of sandstone façade and modern amenities.

GALLERY

The building’s redesign features a sculpted sandstone exterior that pays homage to the city’s architectural history. This material serves as the primary organising element, showcasing a vertically scalloped façade, creating harmony with the neighbouring structures. The design also draws inspiration from the iconic modernist form of the MLC Centre, which sits directly opposite, incorporating organically shaped sandstone beams that echo its brutalist roots.

Inside, the warm textures continue to shine, with the building’s lobby offering an inviting yet technologically advanced atmosphere. Bronze materiality transitions seamlessly from the exterior into the lobby, where it merges with a large digital screen, creating a dynamic interaction of textures. A mesmerising pendant light, aptly named ‘Internal Rain’, dominates the space, mirroring the bustling energy of the café and lobby, casting shimmering, rain-like cascades across the room.

This redesign is not merely aesthetic but functional, reconnecting the building to both the commercial and retail precincts of the CBD. The carefully layered materials and portal frame element establish a bold presence while respecting the street’s historic rhythm. As day turns to night, the interplay of light across the sandstone elevates 135 King Street’s stature, solidifying its role as a key player in Sydney’s ongoing architectural evolution.

Images via Rohan Venn