‘crown hotel sydney proposal’ by kohn pedersen fox associates, sydney, australiaimage © KPF associatesall images courtesy of crown hotel sydney
architects from around the world are jumping at the chance to participate in the multi-billion dollar redevelopment of barangaroo, the 22 hectares of currentlyunused wharfs on sydney’s western edge. the ambitious project aims to mold the social and economic future of sydney implementing the latest in sustainable technologies and designs in an extensive program including high profile commercial and residential projects, restoration of current structures, and extensivepublic zones. currently in the public spotlight is the race to win the commission for the ‘crown sydney hotel‘ in the barangaroo south zone, which was recently narrowed down to three well known contenders: kohn pedersen fox associates, wilkinson eyre architects, and adrian smith and gordon gill architects.
‘crown hotel sydney: life with an edge’
the proposal by kohn pedersen fox associates has picked up on the historic maritime themes present throughout various aspects of the city, interpreted in a single tower that is expected to become an icon in the city along with the opera house and harbor bridge. using the sail of a yacht as a starting point, the hotel tower contains a slight lean and hydro-dynamic form that alludes to the prow of the ship. the finished product could end up costing up to 1.5 billion dollars and will bethe city’s 5th largest skyscraper, with the eventual incorporation of a casino that will attract asian audiences. the fluid vertical volume will be broken up bya cantilevering exterior green terrace that echoes the green roof of the lower public area below, better responding to the scale at harbor-side.
waterfront public spacesimage © KPF associates
james packer, crown resorts chairman, comments on the proposals:
‘these designs are truly inspiring; they literally take your breath away. with these sorts of designs, crown sydney will be the most iconic building constructed in this city since the opera house. whoever ends up winning – it’s guaranteed to be a masterpiece.’
complete view of the towerimage © KPF associates
within the context of the barangaroo redevelopmentimage © KPF associates
site next to the bridge and opera houseimage © KPF associates
concept sketchimage © KPF associates
Feb 10, 2026
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