PBD Architects acknowledges the First Nations of the Countries on which we work. Paying respect to Elders both past, present and emerging
McDougall St
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year

2025

location

Kirribilli

status

In Development

first nation

Cammeraygal

McDougall Street, with its iconic canopy of jacarandas, is more than a thoroughfare — it’s a space of community connection leading to the green heart of Milson Park. The project engages with this setting through a carefully considered built form. Layered setbacks, landscaped buffers, and sculpted upper levels create a softened street presence that feels human in scale, while generous planting along boundaries supports mature trees and urban cooling.

This design acknowledges Kirribilli’s eclectic character — from classic Art Deco apartments and Federation homes to mid-century buildings and public housing — and builds upon it with a contemporary architectural response that strengthens the precinct’s sense of identity.
A Streetscape with Character
The façade is articulated with a material palette that draws from Kirribilli’s architectural lineage. Textured brickwork provides a tactile base that grounds the building, while lighter-toned render and finely detailed metal screening introduce a contemporary edge. Vertical blades and recessed balconies break down the scale, while deep planter boxes weave greenery into the architecture itself, softening the built form and reinforcing the leafy streetscape character.

Light, Air and Livability

Internally, the architecture prioritises quality of life. Of the 30 residences, the majority are three-bedroom apartments, designed with flexibility for families, professionals, and downsizers. Nearly all homes achieve cross-ventilation, and 73% benefit from two hours of direct winter sunlight — reflecting a deliberate design approach that balances comfort with environmental performance. Privacy has been carefully resolved through screening devices and façade modulation, ensuring openness without compromise.

Generous glazing frames views while maximising daylight penetration, and sliding doors blur the line between indoor living spaces and private balconies. These connections extend the experience of the home outward, enhancing both livability and connection to the landscape.

Sustainability and Future-Readiness

Sustainability is embedded in the design fabric. Strategies include rainwater harvesting, on-site detention, and native planting that enhances biodiversity while reducing the urban heat footprint. Bicycle parking and adaptable apartment layouts reflect contemporary living patterns, while rooftop communal space provides residents with an elevated garden to connect, relax, and take in harbour views.

A Contemporary Contribution

Ultimately, this project is not just about delivering apartments — it is about creating architecture that contributes to the evolving fabric of Kirribilli. By layering materiality, greenery, and fine-grain detailing into a form that responds to its setting, the design offers a building that is both contemporary and enduring, private yet connected, efficient yet generous.

Team