Located in the heart of The Rocks Conservation Precinct along the iconic Lower Fort Street, this project explored adaptive-reuse and heritage restoration on a row of three-storey, State Heritage-listed boutique apartments. Once serving as workers cottages, single dwelling homes, social housing, and now a combination of affordable and higher end dwellings. It is part of one of Australia’s earliest European settlements, with heritage buildings and civic spaces dating back to the 1830s. The building itself was built in 1910 and designed by the NSW Government Architect, predating the Harbour Bridge

The project architect, Neeson Murcutt Neille, focused on preserving the heritage architecture while enhancing light, ventilation, and comfort through the use fixed and operable modern glazing solutions, and subtle mechanical air supply and return points. The design celebrates the rich history of the structures, whilst seamlessly integrating modern elements to improve functionality. Pamment Projects worked meticulously to retain the charm of the original facade, ensuring the buildings’ character remained intact.

The restoration utilised recycling of existing materials removed, restored and reused on site. As well as extensive remedial works to honour the historic fabric throughout interior spaces. Pamment Projects’ carpentry and trades teams brought original ovens and fireplaces back to life, installed new heritage door and window hardware, and worked with Australian hardwood for flooring and joinery throughout. Contrasted by the addition of contemporary rear extensions, constructed of steel, concrete and glass, which offer improved spatial arrangements for its future residents. The task of preserving the street facing exterior’s modest charm saw our trades people clean and repoint existing brickwork, repair existing sash windows and install new timber shutters and metal awnings to further protect the openings. While inside, connected via open steel common stairs and new elevators, each floor along 7 brown-brick buildings were reconfigured with new kitchens, bathrooms, walk-in-robes, and light-filled bedrooms for modern living.

Pamment Projects’ craftsmanship and attention to detail ensure these boutique apartments stand as a testament to the area’s heritage landscape, offering contemporary living for residents from all walks of life.