Jury comment
The redevelopment of the Harbord Diggers Club on a Northern Beaches escarpment in Sydney posed many challenges and opportunities because of the topography and outlook of the prominent and significant site. The development incorporates a significant residential component, while providing a high-quality and well-designed community and commercial facility that is accessible to surrounding residents and visitors. The building form sits within the landscape, providing largely concealed car parking and an activated pedestrian environment overlooking the beachfront.
Extensive consultation with the local community and club members enabled the designers to respond to the needs of both groups in a way that has achieved success where a previous proposal failed. The integration of the club facilities with other community and retail uses, enabling the wider community to access and feel welcome within the site, should be emulated by other private clubs.
Harbord Diggers Club is located in Freshwater, New South. Wales, on the land of the Kuring-gai people of the Eora Nation.
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