385 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley

This renovation was conceived as a non-traditional corporate fit out. Designed to reflect the ethos of egalitarianism perpetuated by the client organisation, the interior instead takes cues from domestic architecture and the notion of a 'communal home'.

A series of interior scenes are articulated within the design, drawing on conventional residential scenarios; the living room, the kitchen-hearth, the retreat.  The warm and textured material palette continues this approach and complements the tone and texture of the existing brick and bronze facade.

With pronounced clerestories above a deep plan, the existing 1980's office building presented significant spatial potential. Peeling back the pre-existing partitioning and ceiling fabric allowed the original architecture to be exposed and expressed. This in turn provides sectional relief, spatial definition and hierarchy across the open floor plan.

Sustainability was pursued with full cooperation and support from the client. The introduction of natural light, green space and transparency into the existing internalised building was a primary concern.  A two storey atrium was inserted between the levels - affording natural light to the deepest point of the plan and providing key visual associations between the separate functions of the client organisation.  Internal planters and an external green-wall help to alleviate the confined nature of the site and provide relief from the imposing neighbouring buildings.