Architect Anthony Burke Explores Sydney's New Fish Market and the Future of Australian Homes
Architect and television presenter Anthony Burke recently visited the newly opened Sydney Fish Market in Pyrmont, which has been listed by Time magazine as one of the world's greatest places for 2026. The AUD 800 million structure, a sweeping expanse of timber, glass, and steel, sits adjacent to the old market site and has already garnered widespread acclaim from design publications.
Burke, best known as the host of Grand Designs Australia and Restoration Australia, as well as the ABC Radio National podcast By Design, described the building as "brave," noting that Australia does not have many such bold architectural statements. The roof, encrusted with 400 solar panels, adds to the building's innovative credentials. The project took a decade to complete and had a complex brief, balancing tourist appeal with functional requirements like auction rooms and cold storage.
A Shift in Housing Philosophy
During a walk around the market, Burke expanded on his views about Australian housing. He argues that houses are too large, contain too many toilets, and lack sufficient insulation and greenery. "Our houses are killing us," he stated bluntly, pointing to the prevalence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in building materials and furniture that off-gas into living spaces. He also criticized the short average tenure of 11 years per home, which he says prevents people from forming attachments and prioritizes resale value over wellbeing.
Burke advocates for a radical reimagining of what it means to live in a home. He predicts that within 20 years, it may become common for multiple households to share a backyard, a parking spot, or a communal laundry. Young architects, many of whom may never own homes themselves, are already exploring cooperative living, multigenerational arrangements, and shared spaces. These ideas, Burke insists, are not relics of the 1970s but realistic opportunities for the future.
Architecture as Therapy
Burke sees architecture as deeply intertwined with emotional and physical health. He encourages people to reduce their planned house size by 20% to focus on what truly matters. Small changes, such as rearranging furniture, changing fabrics, or introducing more plants, can significantly alter the feel of a home. "A good architect should challenge you on what kind of life you want for your family before they start drawing," he said, describing the process as "architecture as therapy."
The Sydney Fish Market, with its amphitheatre-like steps leading to the water, bustling seafood stalls, and vibrant atmosphere, exemplifies the kind of community space Burke believes is essential for combating loneliness. One in three Australians experiences loneliness each year, and Burke argues that houses should not be self-contained bubbles but rather gateways to community engagement.
As the old market site makes way for four tower blocks, Burke acknowledges the trade-off between bold architecture and necessary urban development. Yet he remains optimistic about the future, hoping that conversations about design can inspire people to think bigger and braver about the world around them.
Restoration Australia Season 8 airs on ABC and ABC iview, while By Design is available on ABC Radio National and the ABC Listen app.
