As the city fringe’s most adventurous new commercial development, Impero Constructions recently completed project Oculus, occupying a premier location at the junction of cosmopolitan Darlinghurst and Surry Hills.
The project involved the demolition of the iconic terrace like buildings located on Crown and Goulburn Street as well as the famous Route 96 store and the development of a boutique commercial building which wraps itself around an existing standalone trading neighbouring property.
Oculus also features a never seen before LED public art display on the Western facade of the building, tucked in between some feature specialty stepped brickwork, showcasing a short film of our nation’s animal - a Koala and her baby joey. This artwork "Crown Phantom" by Mikala Dwyer and Gina Moore, curated by Amanda Sharrad, symbolises loss, love, nocturnal life, and our collective desire to be part of nature. The artwork is also a dedication to the traditional custodians of this land.
The development’s textured façade of interlocked brickwork is punctuated by a series of playful geometric openings and a large circular opening facing Crown Street which offers a glimpse into the elegant steel and glass box structure within, revealing the main commercial office footprint.
Built to exacting standards within a constrained site, Oculus is a modern building that fits in well with the surrounding streetscape. The high standard of finish achieved by Impero makes this a worthy winner.