Lawson Place presented an opportunity to reinvigorate a pair of buildings in an lively part of Sydney’s CBD. The upgrade has created a desirable home for a variety of retail tenancies at ground level, a refurbished hotel and an assortment of executive suites over five levels.
Expand ContentThe site contains two buildings, dated from the early and mid-20th century, that have been merged into one. Non-compliant with current building codes and standards, the buildings were effectively dilapidated. Compounding this, the interiors were a palimpsest of obsolete fit outs that had accumulated over the past century. The external work, which included glass replacement to the façade and structural remediation, respected each building’s character and its own architectural expression. Brickwork was restored, while a similar style of steel windows replaced the originals. Double height glazing was introduced to the ground floor allowing light into the retail spaces and basement level.
In addition to upgrading the structure and services, a key outcome of the project was the creation of simple floor plates that were both wide and flexible.
Now, the interiors employ contemporary materials and elegant proportions to improve circulation while enlivening private spaces. Juxtaposing old and new, the traditional windows of the office spaces are played against a contemporary fit out of exposed concrete ceilings, glass and timber.
