By responding directly to the community character of Western Sydney’s Merrylands, Mason & Main makes a commitment to the neighbourhoods cultural and economic potential while incorporating the spirit of its past.
Designed by global design studio Woods Bagot, the Coronation Property project is an example of the importance of creating buildings that are integrated with their suburbs. Connecting with the area’s history, nature and culture, as well as addressing the considerations of local community, culture and access to transport.
A destination that takes liveability to the next level from top to bottom, Mason & Main is a residential precinct that takes convenience to the next level by providing residents and locals with an ‘eat street’ of specialty grocers, cafes and restaurants. The coveted central location is only 350 metres away from the Merrylands Train Station and key health and education amenities.
Woods Bagot Director and Global Design Leader, Domenic Alvaro, explained that the expression of the built form has been designed to give back to Merrylands by opening up space for comfort and convenience.
“As Western Sydney continues its rise, it’s important to consider how developments can stitch into a suburb’s existing grain. In the case of Mason & Main, we’ve repositioned the ground level café and retail spaces to face outwards into the paths that run throughout the site – creating an activated laneway culture for residents and pedestrians to explore and relax in.”
The development has also taken great care in referencing the history of Merrylands in order to preserve a sense of history moving forward, reimagining striking elements of historical sites in the area.
Alvaro said,
“Mason & Main takes inspiration from the Goodlet and Smith Brickworks, the Boothtown Aqueduct and the eclectic and colourful nature of the suburb at large. Its distinctive brickwork includes different kinds of brick and bricklaying techniques – such as the breezy, semi permeable ‘hit and miss’ brickwork on the balconies and podium – and picks up on the rich textures and tones of the wider neighbourhood.”
“Along with the archways, which take their form from the aqueduct, these details work to settle the building within Merrylands’s timeline by marrying its past and present. We’ve approached every element with a sense of craft and materiality and committed to excellence at every scale – urban, street and human. Up close or from afar, the quality of the development is undeniable.”
As well as daily essentials at their doorsteps, Mason & Main residents will have access to private amenities such as an outdoor dining area, pool, gym and rooftop gardens. Carefully considered planning ensures that each apartment has maximum access to natural light and air, as well as eliminating shared walls between homes.
Woods Bagot Principal and Regional Interior Design Leader (A&NZ) Tracey Wiles explained that, when it comes to designing the spaces people live in, the definition of liveability goes beyond simply what’s comfortable: it means the flexibility over time.
“Our research into the future trends of living and working led us to design a flexible apartment with a multi-purpose room which can easily shift from a bedroom to a workspace, a creative space, or any space you need thanks to built-in joinery. Well-designed spaces change along with your needs, facilitating growth and adapting to change over time.”
Wiles continued,
“The philosophy behind this multi-purpose room runs through every part of the residences: intelligent, purposeful, and designed to last for years to come.”
Coronation and Woods Bagot have been a team throughout, with Aras Labutis, Coronation’s Urban Transformation Director, explained,
“As one of the most celebrated areas in Sydney’s West, Mason & Main is surrounded by a melting pot of culture, and Woods Bagot have created a precinct that pays homage to this great community’s story while helping to shape its next chapter.”
“We’re excited to have the opportunity to give back to the community by creating a great place to live and a new foundation for a town centre where people can work and play.”
“The team at Coronation have a long-established presence in this neighbourhood – we have lived, worked and breathed Merrylands for over many years. We know its people, we know it’s potential and we’re passionate about delivering a project that residents and the community will be proud of now, and well into the future.”
Phase 1 is due to complete in 2022.