BresicWhitney
As more of the Wirra chapter continues to rise above Sydney Harbour, its interiors emerge with the same sculptural poise as the building's architectural form. Where MHN Design Union have carved a soft silhouette from sandstone and concrete, Richards Stanisich brings a nuanced interior response – one grounded in material authenticity and emotional resonance.
For Jonathan Richards, director and co-founder of Richards Stanisich, this is a story of context – a rare opportunity to respond with intention to a site of extraordinary character.
“We really look at interiors from quite an architectural perspective,” Richards says. “The work of our studio is characterised by natural materials and the layering of details that make each project feel bespoke to the client, the location, or the building itself.”
That architectural sensitivity underpins the interiors at Wirra, where only 20 residences occupy the highest ridgeline in Neutral Bay. For Richards, the starting point was never simply floorplans or renders.
“The original brief was delivered by Podia (the developer), and we knew that MHNDU had already created something that responded beautifully to the site. But before we began designing, we spent time talking about the ethos - what this project meant, who it was for, and what it could be.”
This depth of enquiry is echoed in every room. While the residences have been designed as apartments, Richards and his team sought to imbue each home with a house-like sensibility.
“We like the idea of procession. That you enter through a defined threshold, with a sense of arrival and calm. From there, light becomes the guide - entering each space and moving softly throughout the interiors.”
That light is managed and amplified through a tightly curated material palette. Travertine is used throughout the living spaces, continuing into the bedrooms and bathrooms in tiles, slabs, and benchtops.
“It’s a really beautiful surface to walk on, and a luxurious one. We chose it not just for its tactility, but for how it reflects the light. That interaction with natural light was central to the interior experience.”
Rather than overwhelm the interiors with gestures, Richards Stanisich exercised careful restraint.
“We kept the quantity of materials to a minimum. By using the same stone in different ways, it all feels connected without being repetitive. Nothing feels overcooked or underdone.”
“Wirra is a first for Neutral Bay in many ways. It brings a level of finish and proportion that I don’t think I’ve seen in the area before. The materiality, the detailing, even the way the builder has approached the delivery - there is a genuine love of quality, and that starts from Podia.”
Ultimately, Richards says, luxury doesn’t come from indulgence. It’s about something quieter.
“To me, luxury is a calm proportion of space and light. It’s about showing restraint. It’s about creating somewhere you want to return to. Somewhere you want to stay.”
Construction continues with Ultra Building Co on track for completion in early 2026. With just 13 residences remaining, Wirra represents a limited opportunity to secure a place in one of Sydney’s most refined and site-sensitive developments to date.
For all inquiries, contact your BresicWhitney team here.
