First look: Third.i and Toohey Miller plot $22 million new apartment project in Potts Point

The burgeoning Sydney apartment developer, Third.i, is taking on its first project in the affluent harbourside suburb of Potts Point, further expanding their $2.5 billion pipeline.

Fresh off the back of a launch weekend near sell-out of its high-end Lindfield mixed-use project, Balfour Place, Third.i has submitted plans to the City of Sydney council for a boutique development at 30A-34 Brougham Street, located in front of the popular restaurant, The Butler, on Victoria Street.

Third.i, alongside their joint venture partner Toohey Miller, who are teaming up again having previously developed the North Sydney commercial tower Warada on Walker together, are set to create a new part six, part seven-level residential building with just 14 apartments.

WMK Architecture has designed the striking building, of which they said they wanted to achieve the following outcomes:

1. Compliment a breathtaking view with a building of high calibre, persuing excellence in quality and function

2. Respond sensitively to the architectural and cultural history of Potts Point.

3. Celebrate the natural heritage of the site and its defining feature.

There will be a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with the top level apartments featuring deep terraces with extensive views.

The site currently holds an aged, four-storey residential apartment building with a semi-submerged basement.

WMK note in their design verification statement that the site itself is not identified as a heritage item but it is located within the Woolloomooloo Heritage Conservation area.

"The immediate context is rich in historical architecture including Victorian terrace row-houses nestled alongside more contemporary developments.

"The local vernacular predominantly includes two to four-storey terrace houses with balconies oriented toward the West. Many of these building facades are adorned with decorative balustrades and brick or timber cladding."

They suggest the proposed design draws inspiration from both the architectural and natural heritage of the site and surrounds.

"The scale and repetition of vertical elements of the neighbouring Victorian terrace houses have been adopted for the proposed podium façade to create a strong, cohesive edge along Brougham Street.

"The use of sandstone for the podium intends to create a visual connection to the exposed cliff face that protrudes out from below the large apartment building to the North."

Third.i, founded by Luke Berry, Robert Huxley and Ron Dadd in 2005, are also currently developing the Dairy Farmers site in Newcastle in to two towers, one of which will be the tallest in the city.

Always aware of how they can innovate and improve their offering for the buyer, Third.i recently launch CoPosit, which allows potential buyers secure a property with just $10,000 in savings, with the remainder of the deposit paid over weekly instalments until the apartment is ready. That's in operation at the Newcastle project, with around 10 per cent of buyers using the tool.

Urban recently caught up with Third.i co-founder Luke Berry. To read a bit more about how Third.i operate, click here.