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Complex project management in a 1970’s era apartment project with expansive views across Tamarama Beach.

Perched above Tamarama Beach, the Gamma Gamma Retreat is a tightly resolved penthouse transformation that balances architectural ambition with rigorous build execution. Green. ANVIL. was engaged from tender, working collaboratively to value-manage the project before delivering a full renovation and additional storey extension.

The works involved stripping the existing level back to structure, extending the apartment footprint, and constructing a new parents’ retreat above—complete with master suite, ensuite and sauna—beneath a newly engineered mansard roof. Structural steel, new masonry, high-performance glazing and refined internal finishes were paired with microcement bathrooms, custom steel doors and a landscaped rooftop terrace with glazed balustrades overlooking the ocean.

Throughout construction, unforeseen structural and waterproofing challenges were identified early and resolved decisively, safeguarding the building and neighbouring residences. Delivered through the uncertainty of COVID-19 and material shortages, the result is a calm, robust and elevated coastal retreat—executed with clarity, care and precision.

2022
Tamarama
$2-3m
220 sqm
Winner NSW Master Builders Excellence in Housing Awards 2023
Home Unit Renovation | Open Price Category
Gamma Gamma Retreat is a considered alteration and rooftop addition to a 1970s apartment building, designed to make the most of its coastal outlook while respecting the constraints of the existing structure. A new, deliberately understated roof level was introduced to accommodate a master suite and landscaped deck, minimising visual and structural impact on the building below. Internally, the apartment was reconfigured and refined with a restrained, tactile palette and upgraded services. The result is a relaxed, coastal retreat—quietly detailed, light-filled and grounded in simplicity—offering a calm escape above the gully with uninterrupted ocean views.

From the very start of the engagement, Sam and the team were highly collaborative and thoughtful regarding my objectives. Green Anvil’s work plan through the initial scoping process provided innovative solutions for challenges that provided significant time and cost savings, while also promising attention to detail and luxurious high-quality finishes.

Despite being faced with extreme challenges from significant weather disruption, COVID impacts and labour and materials shortages, the final product delivered by Sam and the team was beyond expectations and amazingly within time and cost expectations. The attention to detail and quality of finishes was exceptional while maintaining practical everyday use.

Discussions regarding changes to scope and cost throughout the project were always thoughtful, collaborative and balanced. Importantly, the team also focused heavily on stakeholder management from the beginning and successfully managed neighbours through a 12 month build in a hard-to access site and the follow-up post-handover has remained just as consistent, with timely response to any questions or requests.

My feeling and experience throughout the project was one of working in partnership with Green Anvil to achieve a shared goal, and I highly recommend their services to others.

Private Client

Let’s build something exceptional.