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, designed a luxury residential development that binds its industrial legacy with contemporary urban living.

The project features 45 luxury apartments housed within a rich façade 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-storey landmark that captures the heart and soul of Surry Hills.

The design philosophy for Golf House centres 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 façade that combines aesthetic exuberance with high-performance functionality.

Selecting Sun Shading

Large windows were a critical component of the design, flooding 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 demands of the luxury residential brief, Shade Factor supplied and installed 82 Warema external venetian blinds. The E 80 A2 S system features motorised 80mm rolled-edge slats with cable guidance, with each blind individually controlled. Three wind sensors provide automated protection when required.

Finishes and details were selected to integrate with the copper-clad façade, while the adjustable blinds provide residents with control over sunlight, glare and privacy. The solution supports the building’s extensive glazing and layered façade design without compromising its clean architectural lines.