THE GRID is a modern, eco-designed, apartment block at 72-78 Bayswater Road, Rushcutters Bay. It was named by its architects, Tina Engelen and Ian Moore. Each apartment is a simple rectangular cube running right through the building from north to south creating a grid-like floor pattern. Built between 1998-2001, this seven-storey block of 38 apartments has no
air-conditioning.
Instead, it has a ‘thermal chimney”, used for centuries in the Middle East and the Romans, it extracts hot air using full height tube that reaches through the core of the building, funnelling hot air out the top after drawing up cool, moist air from cool water ponds in the lobby.
And internal cross-ventilation creates a zephyr to reduce humidity while all apartments face north-east, providing generous terraces to capture year-round sun. They also create a seamless indoor/outdoor integration of both spaces to add to enjoyable harbour-side living space. 2.7 metre-high ceilings add to the feeling of space.

The penthouse enjoys its own courtyard atrium and panoramic views of Rushcutters Bay.

This wholistic design reflects the architects’ philosophy of creating harmonious, environmentally-sound apartments full of light, space and air; their mantra.
Other features include a 25 metre lap pool, gym, heated terrazzo flooring and communal gardens, all wrapped in a skin of smooth, silver, heat-insulating panels. The honeycomb core of the panels is sandwiched between two aluminium sheets providing an exceptionally strong thermo-insulated, rigid, lightweight panel which doesn’t peel, fade, blister or crack.

In this building the whole is greater than just the sum of its parts. It’s a sustainable design with nothing in excess but everything required built-in. It’s not minimalism: it’s humanism, fully catering for human needs.

The Grid treads lightly in its landscape and re-defines how we can live. Little wonder the architects have won two dozen national and international awards for their projects. In fact, they loved it so much they moved in themselves, the ultimate seal of approval.

By Andrew Woodhouse, Director, Heritage Solutions

Image: Set against a breathtaking harbour and parkland backdrop, with views to The Heads, this grid-like design re-defines how we live.