32 Chandos Street
The apartment complex, a 1970s heritage-listed collection of townhouses and apartments, has long been a staple of local architecture. Its leafy outlook and unique design have been, thus far, well-maintained by its passionate owners. Recently however, Alex Matovic, director at Aeta Studio, was engaged to revitalise the project and its ailing roof, tasked with returning the building to its former glory.
The building, designed by Ian McKay, is an early example of the classic ‘Sydney School’ architecture, known for its simple palette of materials and forms that complemented the natural environment. “It was an early form of what we’d now call biophilic sustainable design,” says architect Alex Matovic. “Avondale’s design and material palette exemplify the approach of the Sydney School, with its simple forms using mottled brick, bush-hammered concrete and brown stained timber set within a lush garden.”
The distinctive character is upheld by the building’s roof, its staggered, pitched profile extending out of the greenery and reaching upwards, as if settling into the canopy of trees surrounding it. While the roof acts as a defining characteristic of the build, it was in a state of disrepair and in dire need of attention. Matovic and his team were searching for a replacement tile that would match the character of the original and be sympathetic to the interesting texture and variegated glazing of the heritage material, but contemporary options were proving too matte and didn’t flow with the biophilic spirit of the original design.
“We were really excited when we saw the release of the Bristile Roofing Duo collection – in Bronze,” says Matovic. “Although it isn’t an exact replica of Avondale’s original tiles, it demonstrates a similar character and colour scale. The tones of the glaze are well-considered and are less saturated than most, making them feel contemporary, yet perfectly sympathetic to the existing material palette and patina of Avondale.”
Boden Builders were engaged to complete a full roof restoration, which included new Bristile concrete roof tiles. Boden Builder's Project Manager Trent Theedam says he was impressed with the service he received from the Bristile team, who he worked closely with to match the tone, colour and style of the home’s existing roof tiles. ‘Being a heritage complex, it was imperative that good workmanship was upheld, and that all new materials matched the old like for like.’ There were over 2500m2 of tiles required to complete the renovation, and the result was a seamless integration of old and new.
With the roof now complete, the project has reinvigorated Avondale, bringing it into the contemporary design sphere while remaining true to its original heritage. “Seeing the building renewed while respecting the legacy of the building, as well as the residents who have been delighted in the transformation, is rewarding,” says Matovic. “The roof tiles sit so harmoniously with the existing materials and garden surroundings, that they feel like they have always been part of the building.”
“The building, designed by Ian McKay, is an early example of the classic ‘Sydney School’ architecture, known for its simple palette of materials and forms that complemented the natural environment.”
“The building, designed by Ian McKay, is an early example of the classic ‘Sydney School’ architecture, known for its simple palette of materials and forms that complemented the natural environment.”
- As the name implies, these gently undulating tiles feature either a straight two-colour blend, or a gentle gradation in tone of the same colour. These tiles can work beautifully where a variable contrast or colour is required.
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