8 Macleay Street Elizabeth Bay is an enigma; at first glance it doesn’t appear to exist.

It street frontage is only a large illuminated sign behind a high, black steel gate with gold finials – nothing more.

The apartment block itself is invisible.

Behind the gate is a very long four metre wide garden path leading to another gate beyond which nothing can be seen.

This path, in turn leads to some small gardens and glass entrance foyer of the actual apartment block which is carved into the side of the Potts Point ridge facing Elizabeth Bay.

The nine-storey apartments, named Macleay Gardens consists of 42 light grey brick apartments and 26 car parks, taking full advantage of their seemingly precarious position looking east to Elizabeth Bay.

The site runs from Macleay Street through to Billyard Avenue below although there is no pedestrian entrance from below.

It was built in 1967 and cleverly designed by Hugo Stossel, (1905-2002). He was born in Hungary and trained in Rome and Vienna. He arrived in Sydney 1938 just before World War II, aged 34.

He was prolific in Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay, having designed 5 Onslow Avenue (1951), Elizabeth Gardens (1960), The Chimes (1964), Tor (1965), Denison (1960), Macleay Gardens (1967) and Bayview (1968).

His mid-century designs are highly regarded. They incorporate features such as expansive uses of glass, horizontal lines, reinforced concrete and interior open plans.

Mid-century designs are becoming more understood and better appreciated in recent years. Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay have over 30 mid-century designed apartment blocks making it the most concentrated area for these designs in Australia.

By Andrew Woodhouse

Heritage Solutions