![Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-2.jpg)
Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects
Australian studio Durbach Block Architects have completed a wedge-shaped building in Sydney, Australia, that appears to have been pinched in at the top.
![Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-3.jpg)
The four storey building on Roslyn street features a façade with both glossy and matte, white and buff mosaic tiles broken up with rows of uneven black windows that jut out of the surface.
![Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-4.jpg)
The top floor is partially uncovered, with a triangular roof garden surrounded by curved walls and steel window frames.
![Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-23.jpg)
The building houses a restaurant on the ground floor, a bar on the first floor and commercial units on the top two floors.
![Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-6.jpg)
Photographs are by Peter Bennetts unless otherwise stated.
![Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-19.jpg)
Above photograph is by Anthony Browell.
Here's some more information from the architects:
5-9 Roslyn Street Potts Point is a triangular shaped site, less than 200m2 in size. The rounded end looks directly onto a small public space.
![Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-20.jpg)
Above photograph is by Anthony Browell.
The shape of the site exaggerates perspective, the tiny footprint amplifies the perception of height.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-51.jpg)
We wanted the building to sit easily in its place, to recognise the architectural traits of its neighbours.
![Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-11.jpg)
Above photograph is by Neil Durbach.
We also wanted to take a new view of the thick masonry walls, small detailed windows and overhanging cornices typical of the area.
![Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-16.jpg)
Above photograph is by Anthony Browell.
The cornice is exaggerated to overhang the street, to suggest a room. The fine steel lined windows are slightly offset and casually misaligned.
![Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-21.jpg)
Above photograph is by Anthony Browell.
The awning splits to mark individual entry points on the street.
![Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-14.jpg)
Above photograph is by Neil Durbach.
On the street, it seems an ephemeral version of the neighbourhood buildings, the rhythm held by the openings as the wall recedes.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-110.jpg)
Then, at the corner the building shifts to being strongly surfaced, curving in two directions, becoming a peninsular of moulded light.
![Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-10.jpg)
The surface of crackled tiles, a mixture of gloss and matte, white and biscuit, reflect and refract the surroundings.
![Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-22.jpg)
Above photograph is by Anthony Browell.
An exotic roof top garden of frangipani trees and seasonal plantings is framed in the sky through buckled openings.
![Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-12.jpg)
Above photograph is by Neil Durbach.
The softly modulated interior of the restaurant accommodates the shifting geometry of the site, uses of the room and its services.
![Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-8.jpg)
The palette of timber, off white concrete, graded textiles and delicate white furniture gives the room a calm and slight remove from the intensity of its urban setting.
![Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-13.jpg)
Above photograph is by Neil Durbach.
Program:
Four levels plus basement service area.
Basement Service: Restaurant Service
Ground Floor: Restaurant
![Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-9.jpg)
Level 1: Bar with direct street access
Level 2: Commercial
Level 3: Commercial and Roof garden
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-31.jpg)
Energy Efficiency
The building observes the fundamental principles of energy efficiency and good design for a medium scaled city building:
Solid masonry walls provide insulation from outside temperatures, while windows with recessed reveals provide natural light without excessive heat gain.
![Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-1.jpg)
High floor to ceiling heights admit plenty of solar access in winter, excluding sun in summer and contribute to the volume and efficiency of natural ventilation
![Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-1.gif)
Click above for larger image
Opening sections in the windows reduce the reliance of interior spaces on air conditioning , providing floor by floor choice for occupants.
![Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-2.gif)
Click above for larger image
A deep street awning on the north side shades the full height glazing of the restaurant Roof garden provides insulation and contributes to the greening (and bird life!) of Kings Cross
![Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects Roslyn Street Bar and Restaurant by Durbach Block Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Roslyn-Street-Bar-and-Restaurant-by-Durbach-Block-Architects-3.gif)
Click above for larger image
See also:
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