Apple Store, Sydney

Project Details

Project Description

FROM THE ARCHITECTS:

The store occupies the first three levels of a 21-story building at the corner of George Street and King Street in Sydney. The original building, constructed in 1974, underwent a significant renovation concurrent with the development of the new store, including additional floors and a new façade system.

The retail three-story glass volume projects from the face of the building towards George Street, Sydney’s central thoroughfare of commerce and activity. The glass envelope is an innovative assembly consisting of 6,180 square feet of glass panels supported by laminated glass fins and beams connected by stainless steel fittings. The scale of the space and size of the components creates a monumental presence on George Street while careful attention to interior details results in an engaging and welcoming environment.

The store is organized into three distinct areas: the atrium, sales floors, and vertical circulation spaces. Immediately beyond the atrium, the sales floors stretch the width of the facade resulting in a retail space that is displayed in its entirety and creates a heightened sense of connection between activity on the street and within the store. Through two voids along the back of the sales floors, a luminous glow hints at the impressive stair volume that lies beyond. The tall, thin hall is composed of two stacked flights of glass treads that span between stainless steel walls. An illuminated stretch membrane ceiling bathes the space in light as diffused light cascades down through the glass stairs, lighting up the entire stainless steel enclosed volume.