First look: Plans lodged for boutique apartment development in Sydney's Lower North Shore

A local developer has lodged plans for an apartment project in the Sydney's affluent suburb of Mosman. 

The development, at 5 Brady Street near Spit Junction and Bridgepoint Shopping Centre, is currently home to a four-storey former aged care facility, which will be retained in the $16.3 million development, with intentions to reduce the existing height and bulk of the building, in addition to internal wall alterations to accommodate the proposed apartments. 

The proposed development intends to reduce the height and the bulk of the existing building, with alterations to the internal walls to accommodate the proposed apartments. 

Just 13 apartments will be constructed across the 1516 sqm site, with two two-bedroom and 11 three-bedroom residences. 

Multi-disciplined design practice PBD handled the architecture for the project, with Managing Director, Paul Buljevic, noting in the group’s design statement that the proposal reflects the current market demands in Mosman. 

Taking inspiration from its locale, the building takes on a restrained palette, with brick and metal cladding donning the exteriors, with screens and battens adding an elegant finish. 

The elevations have been varied throughout, responding to sun, views and the setbacks within the building, with foliage and landscaping spilling over the edges. 

The apartments have been designed to maximise the building’s north-facing aspect, inviting natural light and cross flow ventilation in.

“Apartments are open plan in design providing a free flowing living quality with generous open space for occupant flexibility," the report stated.

Each will connect to a private open space, with the ground floor apartments benefitting from external courtyards which are oriented toward the street, promoting further street activation. 

An aerial photograph of the site and surrounds showing the heritage items in the vicinity. Source: Mecone Mosaic 2021

A close collaboration with Ground Ink Landscape Architects has resulted in extensive planting and trees throughout. The original landscaping to the front of the building will be retained, maintaining the site’s current street character, while the north-west boundary will have additional deep planting, providing privacy to the building as well as solar shading in the summer months. 

Drawing upon the unique heritage of the neighbourhood, predominantly native planting has been utilised throughout, blending the boutique building into the streetscape. 

Lush landscaping will be incorporated across each of the common areas as well, with the ground floor and rooftop communal space brimming with greenery. 

Crowning the building will be an exclusive four-bedroom apartment, set across two levels, with an extended balcony space alongside the communal rooftop deck, complete with alfresco dining/seating and a spa. 

Future residents will be within close proximity to a range of everyday essentials, including public transport, supermarkets, recreation and leisure facilities and schools.