Golf House, Surry Hills

For over 50 years, the site was famously marked by the neon "Sharpie’s Golf House" sign—a piece of Sydney’s cultural fabric now preserved in the Powerhouse Museum. In its place, PTI Architecture, in collaboration with renowned fashion designer Collette Dinnigan, delivered a luxury residential development that respects its industrial legacy while embracing contemporary urban living.

The project features 45 luxury apartments housed within a building defined by a rich palette of copper, timber, and brick. By rezoning the site to increase its height and floor space, the architects transformed a once-derelict corner into a seven-story landmark that captures the heart and soul of Surry Hills.

The design philosophy for Golf House was centered on reflecting the history and dynamic energy of the area. As the architects note, the goal was to create a place of "respite, comfort, and relaxation"—a warm sanctuary in the midst of a bustling city. To achieve this, the building utilises a layered facade that balances aesthetic exuberance with high-performance functionality.

Selecting Sun Shading

Floor-to-ceiling windows were a critical component of the design, intended to flood the open-plan interiors with natural light and provide sweeping views of the Sydney skyline. 

However, in a dense urban environment, this architectural transparency required a sophisticated solution for heat gain, glare, and privacy. The integration of operable external shading was essential to ensure the "warm home" promised by the architects remained thermally comfortable and private, without sacrificing the building’s connection to its vibrant surroundings.

To meet the rigorous demands of the project’s high-end residential brief, Shade Factor supplied and installed a series of Warema external venetian blinds. These were selected to integrate into the copper-clad facade, providing a tactile, operable element that residents can adjust to suit their individual needs.