Located on the edge of Sydney’s CBD in the inner-city suburb of Surry Hills, 418A Elizabeth Street is nestled among a dynamic mix of retail, commercial, and residential communities. Close to Central Station and with spectacular rooftop views over iconic Sydney landmarks, the building was well positioned for commercial use. However, with few public open spaces within walking distance, 418A Elizabeth Street presented a unique opportunity to create an accessible modern workspace where diverse industries could intersect, and workplace culture would thrive.
Arcadia has reimagined the rooftop at 418A Elizabeth Street to create outdoor spaces that encourage human interaction, inspire creativity, and facilitate collaboration. The extensively planted rooftop aims to reconnect people with nature by enhancing canopy coverage and promoting biodiversity, establishing a new habitat for birds and bees.
Designed with office workers in mind, the rooftop garden celebrates the panoramic Sydney views, includes a meditation dome, sun lawn, barbeques, and a range of outdoor meeting spaces. Arcadia’s landscape design accommodates groups of all sizes, offering flexible outdoor zones. These include small tables for individuals seeking a workstation, semi-private areas for meetings, and dining spaces for larger groups to socialise and unwind.
The lawn offers a spacious, green area for group exercise classes, events, and meetings, or simply for unwinding in a tranquil setting. A covered outdoor section provides a sheltered space, ensuring protection from the elements, to encourage use all year round.
Designed to complement a forward-thinking, fast-paced workplace, the rooftop has been reborn as a vibrant, vertical workspace that fosters creativity and community.
418A Elizabeth Street
Location: Surry Hills, NSW, Australia
Landscape Architect: Arcadia Landscape Architecture
Client: HFO Capital
Key Collaborators: WMK Architecture
Indigenous Nation: Dharug (Eora) – Gadigal
Images: Anthony Fretwell