THE TIN SHEDS
BALMAIN, NSW
SECTOR
Residential
STATUS
Complete
COMPLETION YEAR
2011
ARCHITECT
Turner & Associates Architects
Overview
The Tin Sheds is a standout Balmain development consisting of eight multi-level “penthouse‑style” townhouses and two two-bedroom apartments. Its bold copper-clad façade sets a benchmark for medium-density residential architecture in Sydney’s inner west. Despite its striking aesthetic, the project demanded resolution of complex site conditions, requiring sophisticated planning and execution to harmonise form and function.
Construction Features
Stormwater Culvert Reconstruction
Redesigned and rebuilt a circa‑1850 stormwater culvert within the site footprint, maintaining live water flow and traffic on Beattie Street throughout the works. The structural replacement guided downstream drainage integration and long-term flood resilience
Irregular Polygonal Site Logistics
Executed construction on a non-rectangular lot with narrow access via Beattie Street. Tight staging zones, limited material handling routes, and adjacency to residential properties required refined sequencing and traffic control
Deep Foundation Piling for Flood‑Mitigation
Elevated the building on 135 bored piers to safeguard the overland flood path (1-in-100‑year event), meeting both heritage-listed precinct and flood zone criteria
Signature Copper Façade and Custom Detailing
Delivered striking copper cladding across complex geometries with precision craftsmanship, while integrating bespoke joinery and design lines that contribute to the architecture’s sculptural presence
