The adaptive reuse of 33 Alfred Street in Sydney, co-owned by Dexus Wholesale Property Fund and Mirvac Wholesale Office Fund, preserves the building’s heritage while elevating the workplace experience through contemporary design. The revitalisation, delivered by Dexus as the development manager, reimagines the 26-storey building to enhance customer comfort and building performance while retaining its iconic character.
Opened in 1962, 33 Alfred Street was Sydney’s first skyscraper. The tower stood as testament to the city’s post-war growth, architectural innovation and as a hub for business and commerce. Today, its transformation into a Premium-grade workplace illustrates the sustainable impact of adaptive reuse.
Architects JPW led the design to recalibrate all 26 office floors for a workplace of the future. The scope included a re-activated public lobby, new end-of-trip facilities; reinvented terraces and complete facade renewal to improve views, comfort and energy use while preserving the landmark’s iconic character. Rather than rebuilding, the project team retained and revitalised the existing structure, significantly reducing material waste and delivering a material reduction in embodied carbon. The result is a tower that honours its heritage while embracing contemporary performance and sustainability.
The building’s distinctive dual-crescent form and golden façade remain central to its identity. More than 5,000 specifically engineered façade panels enhance natural light, reduce glare and frame uninterrupted harbour views. Inside, modernised building services and generous 1,200-square-metre floorplates offer the flexibility needed by today’s leading organisations.
As the final element of Quay Quarter Sydney, 33 Alfred Street combines premium amenity with direct access to a vibrant dining, retail and cultural precinct. At the heart of the renewal is the reactivated lobby which provides a welcoming, light-filled space. Living Edge partnered with the project team to help reimagine the lobby as a place to pause, meet and reconnect throughout the workday.
Upon entry, the space is anchored by Grasso Armchairs. Designed by Stephen Burks for BD Barcelona Design, their sculptural curves and soft leather upholstered skin signalling an invitation to sit. Paired with a durable tubular steel frame, the Grasso brings comfort into the contemporary.
“Grasso is not fat. Grasso is more than fat. It’s overflowing.”
- Stephen BurksAtollo Table Lamps by Oluce introduce the warmth of domestic lighting into the public realm. Designed in 1977 by Vico Magistretti, its rounded geometric forms are both timeless and functional. The reimagined lobby now serves as a refined arrival experience, enriched with thoughtfully curated furniture pieces and a material palette that creates a calm, contemporary entry to the refreshed tower.
Credits:
33 Alfred Street is co-owned by Dexus Wholesale Property Fund and Mirvac Wholesale Office Fund.
