Reviving Deco: Bates Smart's Innovative Heritage Restoration

Reviving Deco: Bates Smart's Innovative Approach to Heritage Restoration

Built in 1939 as a warehouse for S. Hoffnung and Company Ltd, the heritage building had lost its character due to unsympathetic alterations. Bates Smart, a renowned architectural studio, adopted an innovative design approach to restore the building's former glory while creating a modern workplace that ensured the project's commercial viability.

The project involved several innovations that included the addition of three new levels of contemporary office accommodation through the City of Sydney's Heritage Floor Space program. The studio also adopted a sustainable approach, reusing over 90% of the existing façade and 60% of the existing structure, and using an underfloor mechanical system. The project achieved a five-star green star 'design' and 'as-built' rating.

The building's roofscape was a primary elevation that enhanced the visual amenity of the city. Bates Smart concealed the plant and created a range of inhabitable, landscaped roof terraces. The new floors were set back from the Clarence Street frontage to create a recessive and sympathetic backdrop that allowed the form and design features of the heritage building to be clearly read.

Bates Smart's restoration works included the conservation and repair of the Clarence and Kent Street façades, internal refurbishment of all floors, a new core and lifts, and removal of the 1970s top floor. The Clarence Street façade work included the total reconstruction of the lower levels and the reinstatement of the black granite cladding, the cantilevered awning, and clock. The new core located on the south side of the building delivered an open, contiguous floor plate facilitating connectivity.

In conclusion, Bates Smart's innovative approach to heritage restoration has revived the Deco building's character while creating a modern, sustainable workplace. The restoration works have resulted in the building achieving a five-star green star 'design' and 'as-built' rating, emphasizing the studio's commitment to sustainability. The project stands as a testament to the studio's expertise in heritage restoration and innovative design.

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