Marrickville Timberyards is a major precinct renewal in Sydney’s Inner West, unlocking a former industrial site and transforming it into a welcoming, thriving neighbourhood. With the aim of creating a strong connection with the surrounding community, it brings together improved connectivity, retail amenity and generous green space. With more than 1,180 homes, it is positioned as one of the largest build-to-rent developments in Australia, with a strong focus on affordable housing.
Delivered through single ownership and management, the precinct comprises seven buildings that respond to Marrickville’s industrial legacy. A network of streets, lanes and open spaces supports permeability, safety and activation during the day and night.
Atelier Ten undertook precinct-wide sustainability leadership, Green Star delivery across seven buildings, and performance-led design coordination across a complex multi-architect team. The project pursued a 4 Star Green Star pathway and a NatHERS 7.5 Star energy rating, supported by high performance building envelopes, rooftop solar PV arrays and a commitment to sourcing 100% renewable energy supply. Water sensitive design measures include permeable paving to support water table replenishment.
Landscape and ecology outcomes were a major focus, with deep soil networks, new tree canopy and improved ecological function intended to lift local character and everyday amenity. For selected buildings, Passive House feasibility was explored to strengthen airtightness, acoustic performance, thermal bridge control and glazing outcomes. An upfront carbon reduction strategy was led across the precinct to align with organisational ESG objectives, targeting a 10% reduction relative to a typical development baseline and supporting early design decision making.
Atelier Ten has played a vital role in translating the client’s vision into a rigorous sustainability pathway that supports decision making at scale. The result is a carbon-conscious precinct shaped by community wellbeing, Connection to Country, climate resilience and circularity.
