Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano brings rare design to Sydney Harbour

AT A GLANCE: 

• Developer: Lendlease 
• Architect: Renzo Piano Building Workshop
• No. of Residences: 798
• Estimated Completion Date: Completed and move-in ready!
• Development Awards: 
  • High Rise City Development Excellence Award 2025 from Urban Taskforce
  • UDIA Award for Excellence and Gold in the BETTER Future World Design Awards in 2024
  • Residential Interior Apartment, Residential Development 20+ Units, Residential High Rise Architecture, and Sustainable Residential Development for Australia at The International Property Awards 2025

Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano has long been recognised for shaping cities with sensitivity, precision, and a deep respect for place. With One Sydney Harbour, created in collaboration with internationally renowned developer Lendlease, the Italian architect brings this visionary craftsmanship to one of the world’s most recognisable waterfronts.

Renzo approached the development with a delicate and refined design, complete with a pursuit of lightness, beauty, and timelessness that responds directly to Sydney Harbour’s shimmering character.

“The brightness of the sky will be captured, refracting the glittering Sydney light, right to the top where the penthouse apartments merge into the sky,” explained Renzo.

“The result is a trio of graceful buildings that capture and play with light, like harbour waters in the morning sun.”

Architecture that floats between city and nature

From its inception, One Sydney Harbour was designed to sit gently within the skyline while maintaining a strong dialogue with its natural harbourside setting. Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW) describes the project as architecture that “floats between the built and natural environments.”

Emanuela Baglietto, lead partner at RPBW, notes, “The concept of the One Sydney Harbour project is deeply rooted in the city’s unique context: the climatic conditions, the site orientation, and the proximity to the waters of the Harbour.

“It is a rare opportunity to build residences in such a favourable setting.

“The client wanted to obtain the best views for the maximum number of residences, and we wanted the buildings to breathe.

“The combination of these two elements generated the whole story.”

The three towers feature dynamic glass façades that shift in reflectivity throughout the day. Renzo intended to make them feel crystalline, with each tower subtly different, yet still catching light and colour from sky and harbour. The six main clear-glass facades are angled to avoid directly overlooking each other, ensuring privacy while maximising views.

Design that engages with light, morning to evening

Light is the defining material of One Sydney Harbour. The buildings are oriented to capture Sydney’s changing brightness, creating interiors that feel open and connected to their surroundings. Balconies and winter gardens act as transitional spaces, softening the boundary between indoors and out while framing views of water, sky, and the evolving landscape of Barangaroo.

Inside, the architectural clarity is carried through by interior designers State of Craft and Darling Associates. Both studios draw from RPBW’s palette of light, water, and natural materials, resulting in homes that feel understated, yet thoughtfully detailed.

Rather than distract from the views, the interiors use stone, timber, and subtle textures to anchor the residence while allowing the harbour to remain the focal point. The layouts prioritise openness and ease of movement, with winter gardens, seamless glazing, and soft tones supporting a calm residential experience.

This is complemented by the building’s Open Cavity Facade system, which allows controlled natural ventilation. Similar to systems used in RPBW’s global projects such as The Shard in London, it enables residents to adjust airflow, manage sunlight, and enjoy fresh air while maintaining acoustic and climatic comfort.

Photovoltaic cells and high-performance double-skin façades further support energy efficiency, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable living environment.

A lifestyle connected to the harbour

While the architecture and interiors set the tone, living at One Sydney Harbour is also shaped by the amenities and precinct surrounding the residences.

Within the buildings, residents have access to a suite of tailored spaces designed for ease, wellness, and connection, including: 

• Indoor and outdoor pools
• Residents’ lounge
• Rooftop terrace
• Wellness areas with spa, sauna, and gym

Step outside and the experience continues. Barangaroo South offers direct access to the waterfront promenade, Hickson Park, dining, and cultural destinations, all metres from home. After all, this waterfront precinct has been transformed into one of the city’s most dynamic destinations, and One Sydney Harbour represents its final chapter.

A world-class collaboration on the harbour’s edge

Renzo Piano’s career spans more than five decades and includes international landmarks like The Shard in London, The New York Times Building, and Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. At Barangaroo South, his studio, with offices in Paris, Genoa, and New York, has crafted a project that harmonises his renowned architectural style with Sydney’s iconic natural setting, all while elevating everyday liveability.

With limited residences remaining and move-in ready, you can call this iconic address home.

One-, two-, and three-bedroom residences available. Priced from $1.6 million for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment.

Click here to learn more or to enquire about One Sydney Harbour.