The Reader's Digest in Surry Hills: The design and construction of a heritage building – an architect’s story

The Reader's Digest in Surry Hills: The design and construction of a heritage building – an architect’s story
The Reader's Digest in Surry Hills: The design and construction of a heritage building – an architect’s story

John James

West Grinstead Publishers; ISBN: 9780975742556

This book describes the design and the creation of a significant monument from the perspective of the architect. It includes how he reserved the site, arranged the funding and worked closely with the builder – a very personal story.

It was the cheapest air conditioned building in Sydney due to the preponderance of brick in the walls and the now-famous roof garden. The columns that framed the windows and brick panels were all in situ concrete, not precast. It is heritage listed by the City Council. However the new owners are eager to alter the exterior to suit modern office requirements. This has been opposed by heritage bodies, the council, local inhabitants and businesses, and of course the architect. Yet the Barana Group is applying to the Land and Environment Court to have the Council rejection set aside.