Quay Quarter Lanes, tucked among the heritage buildings of Circular Quay, is a revitalised urban precinct designed to feel like a hidden gem within Sydney's bustling CBD. Located within a kilometre of both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, it offers a more intimate and character-rich alternative to the surrounding skyscrapers and waterfront promenades. Three architecture firms were engaged to design small-scale residential buildings that would integrate seamlessly into the historic district. Silvester Fuller was tasked with designing 18 Loftus Street - a compact building of brick construction comprising 36 apartments and six retails spaces all designed with long term building health, protection from pests and overall sustainability in mind.
Project Requirements
Silvester Fuller's design philosophy centres on creating environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable living spaces. Each apartment at 18 Loftus Street was designed to respond to its unique position and outlook, balancing urban noise, natural light, and views of the street or harbour. Privacy and light were carefully considered in every detail. In addition to these bespoke design elements, the project also had to meet sustainable, healthy building requirements - such as wall cavity drainage and proper ventilation. Weepa's Standard Weepas supported this by enabling clean brick lines while ensuring the building could breathe and remain protected from pests.
Design Approach
Silvester Fuller collaborated with Richard Crookes Constructions and Favetti to deliver a building that harmonises with its 
surroundings. Situated on a tight urban block, the structure transitions both horizontally and vetically through changes in form, material and aperture. An orthogonal grid was employed - an efficient and widely used framework in urban planning and architecture - ensuring clean lines, consistent spacing and right-angle intersections.
Favetti, known for precision and craftsmanship in bricklaying, was engaged to realise the facade. Their team created a striking brick exterior that blends straight lines with subtle curves to optimise light and privacy. To support this, Favetti used Weepa's Standard Weepas which help form neat, uniform weep holes that allow the building to breathe while protecting the internal cavity from pests such as mice and wasps - ensuring long-term performance.
Outcome
The result is a liveable, elegant apartment building clad in sandy white bricks that echo the pale buff tones of nearby sandstone heritage structures. Brickworks bricks were selected for their natural durability, low maintenance and ability to age gracefully. The pixelated brick pattern bridges history and modernity and the addition of Weepas help to ensure a healthy building for years to come.
18 Loftus Street was awarded Silver in the 2022 Sydney Design Awards (Better Future), recognising its thoughtful integration of design, sustainability and heritage. It stands as a testament to collaborative craftsmanship and enduring urban design.
Contractor: Richard Crookes Constructions
Architect: Silvester Fuller
Client: AMP Capital
Bricklayer: Favetti
Product: Standard Weepa
Brick Manufacturer: Brickworks
Photographs © Steven Dunbar