385 St Pauls Terrace
Fortitude Valley
The renovation of 385 St Pauls Terrace 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 1980s 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.
Awards
2013 BPN Sustainability Awards – Finalist – Office Fitout
2012 AIA Queensland Architecture Awards – State Commendation – Sustainable Architecture
2012 AIA Queensland Architecture Awards – Brisbane Regional Commendation – Interior Architecture
2012 AIA Queensland Architecture Awards – Brisbane Regional Commendation – Sustainable Architecture
Sustainability
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 neighboring buildings.
Photography: Jon Linkins