This landmark apartment block, designed by architect Harry Seidler has been recognised for its historical and cultural significance.
Completed in 1960, Ithaca Gardens is situated in Elizabeth Bay, on Gadigal Country. Known for its striking folded concrete canopy entrance, it is the first apartment block designed by architect Harry Seidler. Marking a pivotal point in Seidler’s professional evolution, Ithaca Gardens also reflects the early development of modernist architecture in Australia.
Comprised of blond brick and concrete, the 10-storey building showcases Seidler’s interpretation of Bauhaus principles, incorporating clean geometric lines and deep balconies. Careful site positioning ensures each apartment enjoys panoramic harbour views and benefits from cross-ventilation – an advanced concept in apartment planning at the time. Large curtain walls of glass spill natural light into the three or four bedroom apartments, and in an egalitarian twist, top-floor penthouses are notably absent from the unique U-shaped building. The roof courtyard instead serves as common property with facilities for laundry and drying clothes.
Part of a cluster of over thirty post-war Modernist apartments in the Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay precinct, Ithaca Gardens is one of five apartment blocks in the area designed by Seidler. In recognition of its innovative design, the complex received the prestigious Architecture and Arts Award in 1960. Public response to the building’s construction was also extremely positive, with each of the 40 apartments highly sought after. In 1959 The Australian Women’s Weekly even ran a competition to win a flat in the new complex.
Following Ithaca Gardens completion, Harry and Penelope Seidler moved into one of the top-floor apartments in 1960 and lived there for seven years. The family still owns the apartment today, which is intact as Seidler designed it, with original timber joinery, coloured glass in the kitchens and marble tiles in each of the bathrooms.
To ensure this shining example of modernist architecture in Australian is safeguarded for future generations, Ithaca Gardens has recently been listed on the National Trust (NSW) Register. This listing was made in collaboration with the Potts Point Preservation Group who have been working with the National Trust in relation to Art Deco, Inter-war and Modern apartment buildings in the Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay and Rushcutters Bay precinct.
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The National Trust maintains one of the most comprehensive heritage registers in NSW. We list landscapes, buildings, townscapes, cemeteries and other culturally significant places worthy of conservation. Discover more about the National Trust Register.
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With thanks to Dr Peter Sheridan and the Potts Point Preservation Group for research and images.
