The body corporate of this old block of 12 units saw the advantage of creating communal recreation space on the concrete roof deck, which was otherwise used only for laundry and clothes drying. To take advantage of harbour views BJA designed a timber viewing platform set back from the existing brick parapet, a BBQ, membrane canopy, glass balustrades and generous steps for informal seating. Around the edge, pavers sit on plastic pads so the membrane below is always accessible.

A glass canopy was added to the ground level entry and the interior stairs upgraded and brought into line with today’s fire regulations and building codes. The changes added value to all the units and refreshed an otherwise tired block of units from the 1940’s.