The Benson

Located in the tightly-held enclave of Sydney’s Rose Bay, The Benson is a modern-day example of harmoniously creating the new while paying homage to the traditions of the pre-existing. A project executed by MHNDU alongside Fortis Development Group, Wyer & Co landscaping and Hecker Guthrie interiors, this boutique block of nine apartments is reverential of its context, a muted and elegant addition to the existing architectural sensibilities of the street and suburb. While providing a generous apartment building catering to the needs of the contemporary buyer, MHNDU’s architectural response to the site’s very specific context was an interplay between the values of modernity and heritage; a design which shows a deep respect for the visions of the past and the need to delicately and deliberately move forward to provide for the needs of today. MHNDU were mindful that any new addition to Newcastle Street had to present as a harmonious and subtle inclusion to the streetscape. The challenge was to create the impression of a firmly established, elegant building while providing generously sized apartments which cater to modern tastes and requirements. The detailing and materiality thus proved particularly significant on the project, with stone cladding and fine metallic detailing signifying a sense of stability and longevity through the timeless quality of the naturally aged stone. The finished result represents a muted and sophisticated response to a practical need for high class residential apartments in an area defined by traditional architecture.