Ithaca Gardens

Item details


Name of item:	Ithaca Gardens
Other name/s:	Ithaca Gardens Apartments
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Residential buildings (private)
Category:	Block of Flats
Primary address:	12 Ithaca Road, Elizabeth Bay, NSW 2011
Parish:	Alexandria
County:	Cumberland
Local govt. area:	Sydney
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	La Perouse

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	CP		SP	5704 5704

Boundary:

the whole of the lot

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
12 Ithaca Road	Elizabeth Bay	Sydney	Alexandria	Cumberland	Primary Address

Statement of significance:


	Ithaca Gardens is of State heritage significance for its important connection to the development of modernism in Australia, and the career of renowned architect Harry Seidler. Ithaca Gardens was Seidler’s first apartment block which was a departure from his freestanding residential dwellings. Ithaca Gardens was also the first project completed under the strategic partnership between Jozef Dusseldorp and Seidler. The associational and technical significance of Ithaca Gardens is demonstrated in the variation between the 1951 original plans and the as-built form. This variation was the result of the collaboration between Seidler and Dusseldorp and the application of the innovative panel-planning approach, resulting in a more restrained design. Ithaca Gardens received the 1960 Architecture and Arts Award, demonstrating its popular reception and recognition of its technical achievement. Ithaca Gardens is of State significance for its aesthetic and representative value, demonstrating features which typify the architectural style of Harry Seidler. This includes the focus on solar access and ventilation as well as the creative use of concrete to provide function and emulate art, as demonstrated in the folded concrete canopy and garage structure. The external galleries are of significance, as an innovative response to access which facilitated an apartment layout that maximises space while improving circulation. The interior design elements are significant as an early example of what would become typical elements of Seidler designed buildings, including coloured glass and timber cabinetry.
	Date significance updated: 27 Jun 25
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	Harry Seidler & Associates
Builder/Maker:	Civil and Civic
Construction years:	1951-1960
Physical description:	Ithaca Gardens is a building comprising a 10-storey apartment complex constructed of brick and concrete, with separate one storey garage structure. Within the building are 40 separate apartments, 4 on each floor, a central entrance with folded concrete canopy, and open access galleries on every second floor protruding from the southern faade. Ithaca Gardens was designed by notable architect Harry Seidler and is his first realised apartment building. The building uses materials typical of Seidler and modernist architecture generally, including blond brick, concrete, aluminium window frames, railings and awnings, and glass plates. The reinforced concrete structure is raised off the ground, creating undercover parking spaces for owners, which is enhanced by the rear parking structure. The parking structure is of note, being a continuous folded lightweight concrete slab carport cantilevered out of the similar shaped retaining wall. The folded form increases stiffness and is therefore economical both in the use as a retaining wall and as the cantilevered roof which affords column-free car access. Folded concrete is also used for the main suspended entrance canopy. The floor plan of Ithaca Gardens takes a formulaic layout which becomes typical of Seidler-designed apartments. This includes a grid of four apartments per floor, accessed through one of two lift and stair cores, which provide access to two apartments each. The lift cores also provide access to the external shared gallery on every second floor, which link the cores. Each apartment contains between two or three bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, and open plan living and dining space, with balconies inset into the northern facade. The original interiors, understood to be altered in most apartments, included timber joinery, coloured glass splashback and cupboards in the kitchens, and small marble tiles in each of the bathrooms. The structure is reinforced concrete, columns of varying length are contained within wall thicknesses. Floors are thick flat-plate design except for the downturns to support the cantilevered connecting galleries. All exposed concrete is left off-the-form.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Physical condition is good. Apartment 1001 remains under the ownership of the Seidler family and is retained intact with original fixtures and fittings. Other apartments have been heavily modified including removal of original fixtures/fittings, installation of new kitchen facilities, demolition of window and half walls and replacement of these elements with glazed doors or floor to ceiling windows off the master bedroom.
	Date condition updated:02 Jul 24
Modifications and dates:	Minor Changes to lobby and security added with Harry Seidler's knowledge. (RAIA 2003). Alterations have occurred to most apartments with the exception of apartment 1001. Owned by Penelope Seidler and retained in it's original condition


Current use:	apartment residences
Former use:	Aboriginal land, suburban farm estate

History

Historical notes:

STATEMENT OF COUNTRY

Ithaca Gardens is in Elizabeth Bay, known as Gurrajin in the local language, and on Eora land (AIATSIS). Elizabeth Bay has a long history of Gadigal connection, with the area used for fishing and camping into the 1800s. Colonial attempts to 'civilize' the Gadigal are demonstrated in Governor Macquarie's establishment of Henrietta Town, an Aboriginal settlement likely located at Beare Park to the north of Ithaca Gardens and abandoned by 1824 (Coast History and Heritage, 2021). To the south of Ithaca Gardens is New South Head Road, an Aboriginal footway which provided connections between the coastal areas (Sydney Barani, undated). While the modernist concrete and brick of Ithaca Gardens stands in contrast to the natural environment, its harshness is softened by the trees which surround it, a testament to the endurance of Country in this modern setting.

ELIZABETH BAY

In 1820, Governor Macquarie attempted to establish in Elizabeth Bay (Gurrajin) a farm and fishing village for Aboriginal people, known as Henrietta Town (Australian Town and Country Journal, 1919). The decision was taken following failed attempts to do the same at Middle Head and with the hope that the existing connection to Gurrajin would help the settlement succeed. By 1824, the settlement at Henrietta Town had been abandoned (Coast History and Heritage, 2021). In 1826, the land was granted to the Macleay family, who constructed the grand Elizabeth Bay House. The suburb of Elizabeth Bay sprung up around it and continued to grow into the 20 Century.

SEIDLER'S ORIGINAL PLANS

A Building Application was first submitted for the construction of flats at the site on Ithaca Road in 1951 (City of Sydney, 1951). No previous structures are documented to have existed at the site. The application sought consent for an eight-storey reinforced concrete block of flats, designed by architect Harry Seidler with R. E. McMillan as the structural engineer, on behalf of Ithaca Gardens Pty Ltd (City of Sydney, 1951). Consent was granted on 6th April 1951. Early sketches of Ithaca Gardens demonstrate a vastly different design to that eventually constructed (as shown in Construction, 1951a). The folded concrete entrance way, now emblematic of the building, was not part of the original design, with the entrance instead located below a semi-detached elevator core. Descriptions of the proposed building stated it 'will incorporate many new architectural and constructional ideaseach unit is two-storied [maisonette] and each upper floor is served by its own interior stairway' (Construction, 1951b).

The involvement of Harry Seidler in the design of Ithaca Gardens was considered notable even at this early stage of his career, and this fame has increased since (Construction, 1951a and 1951b). Harry Seidler was a preeminent architect of the Modern Movement, arriving in Sydney in 1948 with a background coloured by influential modernist architects. Seidler gained popularity following the completion of Rose Seidler House, the first in a grouping of adjacent dwellings designed for members of the Seidler family. His design at Rose Seidler House won the Sulman Medal in 1951. Seidler travelled often and brought design ideas and collaborators back with him, influencing the development of Australian architectural styles. In later years, Seidler became an author and a professor, serving on committees of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA). Seidler received a Gold Award from the RAIA in 1976 for his immense contribution to Australian architecture, and a Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects for the promotion of architecture in 1996 (Heircon Consulting, 2017). Until Ithaca Gardens, Seidler's work had largely been restricted to small scale residential properties and office buildings. With the realisation of Ithaca Gardens in 1960, Seidler cemented himself as an architect capable of designing on a variety of scales, and worthy of a spot at the forefront of the Modernist Movement in Australia.

The Building Application approval for the initial Ithaca Gardens proposal lapsed in 1952 as work was not considered to be substantially commenced (City of Sydney, 1951). Letters from Seidler to the City indicated that this was due to lack of finance to proceed with the development (City of Sydney, 1951). However, in the late 1950s Seidler established a working relationship with the founder of Civil and Civic (which would go on to become Lendlease) - Gerardus Jozef Dusseldorp. Ithaca Gardens was their first collaboration, and marked the beginning of their long and productive partnership.

THE CONSTRUCTION OF ITHACA GARDENS

Seidler's initial vision for Ithaca Gardens as a series of maisonette apartments spurring from a separate lift core via external walkways was not what was constructed. In the ensuing period between the initial approval for the building and the commencement of construction in earnest in 1960, the design changed significantly. The modifications were brought about through the application of the innovative new principle of 'panel planning'. Ithaca Gardens was the first project to take such an approach, which brought the architect, engineer, contractor and selling agents together to have input into the design (The Cumberland Argus, 1959).

With the newly formed partnership of Dusseldorp and Seidler employing the collaborative panel planning approach, the as-built form of Ithaca Gardens took shape. The maisonette apartments became one-storey, and the separate lift core was incorporated into the building and duplicated, to allow for ease of access. External galleries on alternate floors connected the lift cores as in Seidler's initial design. Seidler's design demonstrated a detailed consideration of the context of the site, with each apartment having a north-easterly aspect (with a view to the harbour on the higher levels), with living rooms and bedrooms shielded from the sun by raked aluminium awnings and the recessed balcony. The unique design element of Seidler's first apartment building was, however, it's folded concrete canopy over the entranceway, echoed over the detached garage (Heircon Consulting, 2017). The innovative folded concrete design, suspended from the first floor slab in the case of the canopy and cantilevered off a retaining wall in the case of the garage, elevated the design of the apartment while providing a practical solution.

Following the completion of Ithaca Gardens, Seidler and his wife Penelope resided in an apartment in the complex for some time. This apartment is still owned by Penelope Seidler and retains its original layout, design, fixtures and fittings.

RESPONSE TO THE BUILDING

The public reaction to Ithaca Gardens at its completion was strong and positive, with the apartments being highly sought after - so much so that the Australian Women's Weekly ran a competition to win one of the apartments which garnered enormous public interest (The Australian Women's Weekly, 22 July 1959). Ithaca Gardens went on to win the 1960 Art and Architecture Award, which is one of the earliest accolades received by Seidler.

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Architectural design-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Apartment blocks-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - 20th century Modern Movement-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Designing in an exemplary architectural style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Adaptation of overseas design for local use-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Interior design styles and periods - Modernist-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in apartments-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Harry Seidler Architect 1923 - 2006-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Ithaca Gardens is of State historical significance as it demonstrates the development of the career of Harry Seidler and concurrently the growth of modernism in NSW. Ithaca Gardens was the first apartment block designed by Seidler, marking a departure from the single residences for which he had developed a promising reputation. The public reaction to Ithaca Gardens demonstrates the esteem with which Seidler’s architectural ability was held even at this early stage of his career, with Ithaca Gardens first commenced within a few years of Seidler’s arrival in Australia. Ithaca Gardens marks the inception of the working relationship between Harry Seidler and Jozef Dusseldorp which resulted in prolific building works across the State and demonstrates their collaborative approach to achieve design outcomes. Ithaca Gardens also holds historic value for its role in the growth of modernism in NSW. Ithaca Gardens demonstrates the architectural trends and aspirations of the 1960s, being the earliest modernist apartment building in the State. Ithaca Gardens therefore demonstrates a change in the architectural landscape, being a new type of apartment design with a focus on functional use of spaces and modernist principles which were not present in the preceding art deco and inter war style apartment blocks. Seidler’s work at Ithaca Gardens set the standard for modernist apartment design and ushered in a new era of apartment living along with a new medium for modernist design, taking the principles developed in single residential dwellings and office buildings and applying these to high-density living. Ithaca Gardens is of historic significance for its role in the development of Seidler and Australian modernist architecture, expressed in its exteriors, general layout, and form.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	Ithaca Gardens is of State associative significance for its connection to Seidler and Dusseldorp. Harry Seidler is regarded as the most significant Modernist architect in Australia. Seidler's contribution to architecture is recognised by numerous awards, with Ithaca Gardens winning the 1960 Architecture and Arts award, one of Seidler's earliest professional awards. Jozsef Dusseldorp was an engineer who went on to become an influential developer. Dusseldorp was the founder and manager of Civil and Civic Contractors which became Lend Lease, one of the most prolific construction firms in Australia. Dusseldorp's notable projects included the podium of the Sydney Opera House and the construction of Caltex House. The project at Ithaca Gardens demonstrates the important collaborative relationship between Seidler and Dusseldorp. The panel planning approach, innovative and unique to Ithaca Gardens at the time, saw the design change dramatically resulting from Dusseldorp's involvement and experience. Ithaca Gardens is of associative significance for its connection with Seidler and Dusseldorp, expressed in its exterior, general layout and form, folded concrete elements and the interiors of the intact apartment 1001, owned by Penelope Seidler.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	Ithaca Gardens is of State aesthetic significance as a pioneering apartment building with distinctive design elements using innovative techniques. The design of Ithaca Gardens is a testament to technical innovation. The design was modified through the newly conceived principle of panel planning, bringing together the expertise of the project architect, engineer, construction manager and selling agents to refine the design. The result is a considered response to solar access and layout which maximises apartment floor space and takes a creative response to circulation and access, through the exterior galleries as opposed to interior corridors, linking the lift cores and stairwells. The State aesthetic significance of Ithaca Gardens is also vested in its distinctive design elements which demonstrate the technical ability of architect Harry Seidler. Its expression of structure, its regular faade arrangement, its use of materials and planning, with a concern for natural light, sun shading, and ventilation, are all typical of Harry Seidler's highly acclaimed architecture. The folded concrete entrance canopy and garage structure display modernist principles of functionality and minimalism by reducing the need for columns while also providing distinctive stylistic elements which distinguish the building. Ithaca Gardens is of aesthetic significance for its distinctive and innovative design, and the method of its development, demonstrated in its general form and layout, external galleries, and folded concrete elements.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	Ithaca Gardens holds representative value as a good and early example of Seidler's approach to the design of apartment buildings. The building demonstrates typical design elements of modernism in the functionality and minimalism of the building layout and materiality. Ithaca Gardens displays many features which would become typical of Seidler designed buildings, including solar access, maximising space, and detailed interior elements. Apartment 1001 retains the original Seidler designed interior elements including timber cabinetry, coloured glass fixtures, windows at half height, and bathroom fixtures and fittings. Ithaca Gardens is of State representative significance for its ability to represent modernist design, demonstrated in its general form and layout, external galleries, folded concrete elements, and the intact interiors of apartment 1001.
Integrity/Intactness:	The building and its setting retains a high degree of integrity. (RAIA 2003)
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Heritage Act - Site Specific Exemptions	Exemption Order for Ithaca Gardens listing on the SHR 02107 under the Heritage Act 1977 I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of NSW dated 4 February 2025, make the following order under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977 (the Act) granting an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out of any activities described in Schedule C by the owner, manager, mortgagee or lessee (or persons authorised by the owner or manager) of the item described in Schedule A on the land identified in Schedule B. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this day of 2025. The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage SCHEDULE A The item known as Ithaca Gardens SHR 02107, situated on the land described in Schedule B. SCHEDULE B All those pieces or parcels of land known as Lots 1-40 Strata Plan 5704 shown on the plan catalogued HC Plan 3333 in the office of the Heritage Council of NSW. SCHEDULE C The following specified activities/ works to an item do not require approval under section 57(1) of the Act. GENERAL CONDITIONS These general conditions apply to the use of all the site specific exemptions and must be complied with: a) If a conservation management plan (CMP) is prepared for the item, it must meet the following conditions: i. It must be prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced heritage professional. ii. It must be prepared in accordance with the requirements for a detailed and best practice CMP as outlined in the Heritage Council of NSW document Statement of best practice for conservation management plans (2021) or any subsequent document prepared to replace or supplement this document. iii. It must be consistent with the Heritage Council of NSW documents: Guidance on developing a conservation management plan (2021) and Conservation Management Plan checklist (2021) or any subsequent document prepared to replace or supplement this document. b) Anything done under the site specific exemptions must be carried out by people with knowledge, skills and experience appropriate to the work (some site specific exemptions require suitably qualified and experienced professional advice/ work). c) The site specific exemptions do not permit the removal of relics or Aboriginal objects. If relics are discovered, work must cease in the affected area and the Heritage Council of NSW must be notified in writing in accordance with section 146 of the Heritage Act 1977. Depending on the nature of the discovery, assessment and an excavation permit may be required prior to the recommencement of work in the affected area. If any Aboriginal objects are discovered, excavation or disturbance is to cease, and Heritage NSW notified in accordance with section 89A of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. Aboriginal object has the same meaning as in the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. d) Activities/ works that do not fit within the exemptions described in this document or the ‘standard exemptions’ for items listed on the State Heritage Register made under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977, and published in the NSW Government Gazette would require an application under section 60 and approval under section 63 of the Heritage Act 1977. e) The site specific exemptions are self-assessed. It is the responsibility of a proponent to ensure that the proposed activities/works fall within the site specific exemptions. f) The proponent is responsible for ensuring that any activities/ works undertaken by them, or with their landowners consent, meet all the required conditions and have all necessary approvals. g) Proponents must keep records of any activities/ works for auditing and compliance purposes by the Heritage Council of NSW. Where advice of a suitably qualified and experienced professional has been sought, a record of that advice must be kept. R. Records must be kept in a current readable electronic file or hard copy for a reasonable time. h) It is an offence to do any of the things listed in section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 without a valid exemption or approval. i) Authorised persons under the Heritage Act 1977 may carry out inspections for compliance. j) The site specific exemptions under the Heritage Act 1977 are not authorisations, approvals, or exemptions for the activities/ works under any other legislation, Local Government and State Government requirements (including, but not limited to, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974), or construction codes such as the National Construction Code. k) The site specific exemptions under the Heritage Act 1977 do not constitute satisfaction of the relevant provisions of the National Construction Code for ancillary works. Activities or work undertaken pursuant to a site specific exemption must not, if it relates to an existing building, cause the building to contravene the National Construction Code. l) In these exemptions, words have the same meaning as in the Heritage Act 1977 or the relevant guidelines, unless otherwise indicated. Where there is an inconsistency between relevant guidelines and these exemptions, these exemptions prevail to the extent of the inconsistency. Where there is an inconsistency between either relevant guidelines or these exemptions and the Heritage Act 1977, the Act will prevail. m) Where relevant The Heritage Manual (1996, Heritage Office and Department of Urban Affairs and Planning) and The Maintenance Series (1996 republished 2004, NSW Heritage Office and Department of Urban Affairs & Planning) guidelines must be complied with then undertaking any activities/works on an item. n) Where reference is made to the strata by-laws, this refers explicitly to the by-laws as registered on 19 December 2020. o) Note that these exemptions provide exemption from the requirement for approval under section 60 of the Heritage Act only. They do not exempt from other approvals which may be required from the Strata Committee or City of Sydney Council, or under any other legislation. EXEMPTION 1: APPROVED WORKS Specified activities/ works: a) All works relating to an existing Development Application approval issued by the City of Sydney Council for the property prior to State Heritage Register listing. EXEMPTION 2: WORKS TO APARTMENTS 0101 TO 0904 INCLUSIVE AND 1002 TO 1004 INCLUSIVE Specified activities/ works: a) All interior works or activities including alteration to the layout of individual apartments, which do not alter the general layout or external appearance of the building, and which do not alter the pattern of the balconies or enclose the balcony areas. b) The installation of locking or other safety device, screen, or other device for safety or security, which is installed in a competent and proper manner, and which is in keeping with the appearance of the rest of the building. c) The installation of a vertical awning blind to the common property adjoining each apartment, in accordance with the strata by-laws, including that the awning be retractable and dark navy blue in colour. d) The modification of existing window and half wall below to install full length window or door in the wall dividing the main bedroom from the balcony of each apartment, in accordance with the strata by-laws, specifying that new installations include a natural anodised aluminium frame and clear glass door or windows in 3 equal panels. EXEMPTION 3: MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR Specified activities/ works: a) Conservation works and activities to the building, exterior and interior, that do not impact the heritage significance of the place, and that are undertaken under the supervision of a heritage materials specialist. b) Re-painting of exterior and interior common space with like-for-like colour scheme. c) Works and activities associated with the ongoing surfacing and maintenance of existing elements limited to: roadways, carpark, verges, drainage, pedestrian pathways, and steps. d) Maintenance, repair or upgrade activities to the lifts which do not result in expansion of the lift shaft. e) Replacement of broken balustrade glass to balconies with Georgian wired glass where possible, or alternatively clear glass panels of the same dimensions. EXEMPTION 4: SERVICES Specified activities/ works: a) Works and activities associated with the maintenance, repair, and renewal of services and public utilities including communications, water, gas, and electricity where it is demonstrated that they use existing conduits and fixings where possible. b) Installation of new services where this will not have an impact on the visual appearance of the building or exceed the existing building parapet. c) Works and activities associated with the maintenance, repair, or upgrade of mechanical plant where this does not increase the existing scale or exceed the height of existing plant. EXEMPTION 5: CARPARK Specified activities/ works: a) The installation of bike racks within carparking area. b) The installation of electric vehicle charging facilities within carparking area. c) The installation of safety mirrors at the entrance gates to the carpark. d) Replacement, in part or full, of perimeter fencing, in keeping with the design tradition of the building. EXEMPTION 6: ROOF SPACE Specified activities/ works: a) Removal of the existing washing lines and installation of new washing lines on the roof area, where they are not visible from the street. b) Installation of shelves on the roof parapet balustrade, provided this is reversible and entirely concealed behind the parapet. c) Installation of Helioscreen Rubix retractable awnings, fixed to the edge of the building, for shading the rooftop entertaining area. Note that these must be in a muted colour and in accordance with the plans provided by the Seidler & Associates office, including the use of reversible fixings where possible. EXEMPTION 7: EXCAVATION Specified activities/ works: a) Excavation which does not undermine the building or result in potential structural damage to the building or its exterior, including but not limited to excavation for service installation, tree plantings, signage and archaeological or geotechnical exploration, in accordance with the general conditions. EXEMPTION 8: RENEWABLE ENERGY Specified activities/ works: a) Installation and maintenance (including replacement and upgrade) of renewable energy infrastructure on the roof of a building provided that it follows best practice guidelines, including the Sustainable Heritage Buildings Guide (Heritage NSW, 2024).	Jun 27 2025
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register	Ithaca Gardens	02107	27 Jun 25	261
Heritage Act - Nomination Lapsed	See procedure comments		03 Jul 07
Within a conservation area on an LEP	Elizabeth and Rushcutters Bays	C20	14 Dec 12
Royal Australian Institute of Architects register	Register of 20th Century Architecture

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title
Written	Donald Leslie Johnson	1980	Australian Architecture 1901-51 Sources of Modernism
Graphic	Harry Seidler and Associates	1959	Original drawings and specifications
Written	Horwitz Publications Sydney	1963	Houses Buildings & Projects Harry Seidler 1955/63
Written	Kenneth Frampton Philip Drew	1992	Harry Seidler
Written	Royal Australian Institute of Architects	2003	Harry Seidler and Peter Muller Buildings on the RAIA (NSW) 20th Century Register of Significant Buildings Nominated for the NSW Heritage Register
Written	Seidler		home film reels

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5055656
File number:	EF18/33977

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