Good architecture responds sympathetically to its environment. Marlborough Hall, 4 Ward Avenue, Potts Point (completed 1938), is  a good example.

Apartment 44 is for sale through Greg McKinley and Luke McDonnell: https://www.rwebay.com.au/5345719/

The L-shaped plan used for this whole site ensured that the majority of the 62 apartments in the building received a north-easterly aspect, capturing winter warmth and providing pleasant vistas or garden views, sympathetic to its environment. Many apartments command fine views to the harbour. A large portion of the site was also made available for pleasant gardens, a pool and lush plantings.

Apartment 44 retains its interior fretwork and original bathroom mottled tiles and accessories in powder blue and cream.

The block’s horizontal banding design reflects the experimentation that was taking place in Sydney at the time with aspects of European modernism. Its architect  was Email Sodersten (1899-1961). He had been to Europe and North America a year earlier. His work changed after his return as a result of what he had absorbed. His use of mottled brick, horizontal bands and a six-storey, amber glass stair well façade are indicative of this new, functionalist style. This chevron-shaped glass wall is one of his architectural signatures, also used on his design for the City Mutual Life Assurance building, 10 Bligh Street, and is designed to increase light into interiors. The brass work at the entrance and original foyer fittings in Marlborough Hall exude an authentic heritage warmth.

Sodersten was also joint architect for the Brisbane City Hall in 1920 and the Australian War Memorial, Canberra in 1927. He also designed Birtley Towers, Elizabeth Bay, and both Werrington and Wychbury at 3 and 5 Manning Streets, Potts Point, nearby, completed in 1930 and 1934 respectively. They clearly show Sodersten’s design-thought path from an eclectic approach during the 1920s as well as his confident use of the Art Déco style. Sodersten’s assured brick detailing is readily in evidence in all his designs.

The owners of Marlborough Hall undertook a large and successful restoration project in 2008 to retain its heritage significance.

By Andrew woodhouse

Heritage Solutions