• Location
    Collingwood, VIC
  • Status
    Complete
  • Type
    Residential
  • Size
    80sqm
  • Internal Area
    180sqm
  • Team
    Rob Kennon, Albert Chandra
  • Collaborators
    Dimpat, ACRE, Metro Building Surveying, Meyer Consulting
  • Photographer
    Derek Swalwell
  • Publications
    Collingwood Apartment - Refined Figure
  • Tags
    Housing, Conversions, Warehouse, Inner City

A comprehensive warehouse refurbishment, originally designed by McBride Charles Ryan Architects, over three floors of the former Foy & Gibson department store in Collingwood. The design builds upon the volume, light and transparency of the existing ‘shard’ staircase to define a series of zones and thresholds that move away from traditional dividing walls.

[1] The design builds upon the volume, light and transparency of the existing ‘shard’ staircase to define a series of zones and thresholds that move away from traditional dividing walls
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[2] A restrained palette of materials was designed to sit as a backdrop against the objects and artworks that the clients had collected over the years
Our approach reinforces core aspects of the original design by giving space and clarity to the shard. This involved opening up the plan on the ground floor and altering the material palette across all three levels to achieve a more refined articulation of spaces
[4] Key features of the original design were expressed through a more prominent material palette, such as the aged brass that lines the curved side of the stair
[5] As well as venetian hard plaster (made from recycled marble) that strengthens the tonal depth of the complex shard geometry
[6] Alcoves, galleries, gardens spaces, reading spots, places of conversations and places of relaxation were embedded within the plan to create a fluid sequence of different experiences
[7] Each space is articulated with a warmth and fineness which is further enhanced by the playful and expressive art and furniture that reflect the client's personalities

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