Renovating 2 Bligh Street: A Sustainable Return to Elegance

The architectural journey of 2 Bligh Street, originally known as Temple House, showcases a remarkable evolution since its inception in 1958. Designed by the renowned firm Stephenson and Turner in the International Style, this iconic building has undergone significant exterior renovations that have transformed its architectural expression. The most recent renovation, completed by Bates Smart in 2018, successfully returns the building to its original modernist elegance while aligning with contemporary sustainability principles.

Bates Smart's thoughtful approach to the renovation highlights the building's historical significance while ensuring it complements the modern skyline of Sydney. The firm aimed to reinforce the original structure’s logic, symmetry, and character rather than impose a new identity. This careful balance is evident in the design choices made, which prioritize recycling and adaptive reuse, a crucial aspect of sustainable architecture in the 21st century. The building's recent transformation exemplifies how modern design can respect and celebrate its historical roots.

The renovation process began with stripping the building back to its original structure, allowing the architects to explore innovative design solutions. The interior team at Bates Smart utilized low iron textured glass to clad the columns, creating a dynamic interplay of light and structure. This choice not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the façade but also emphasizes the building's structural grid. Furthermore, dark reveals on the columns provide depth and contrast, allowing the lightness of the glass to stand out and resonate with the original design intent.

An iconic street canopy seamlessly integrates with the building’s architectural language, presenting a solid black element that contrasts beautifully with the translucent textured glass lining its underside. This design motif continues into the lobby, where mirrors and glass walls amplify spatial perception, creating an inviting and contemporary entry experience. The use of travertine for the flooring is a nod to the building’s early modernist heritage, tying the new design back to its roots while ensuring modern functionality.

The refurbishment of 2 Bligh Street not only establishes its next 50-year lifecycle but also sets a benchmark for sustainable building practices. With a complete renewal of the façade and services, the project aims to achieve a 5 Green Star rating and is pursuing a 5 Star NABERS rating. The collaboration between Bates Smart, ARUP, and Lipman has resulted in an integrated solution that retrofits an existing structure with cutting-edge technology, demonstrating a commitment to quality and sustainability in architecture. In a context that often favors newness, 2 Bligh Street stands as a testament to the value of recycling and reuse, showcasing the elegance of its original design while adapting to contemporary needs.

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