Jury comment
The jury applauded the amazing innovative solutions Built Head Office presents for sustainability. It was awarded for its myriad of certifications, whether pending or achieved, and all the judges agreed these national and global recognitions could simply not be overlooked. The project is also impressive for its re-use of two abandoned heritage buildings and the design’s integrated sustainable materials, as well as low-energy lighting and a number of other ESD features.
Design statement
FJMT Interiors created a new head office for Built Sydney within the adaptive reuse development Substation No. 164. A heritage warehouse and electrical substation are seamlessly integrated through modern insertions and interconnecting stairs, providing multiple view lines and circulation paths that have provided a collaborative, sustainable and healthy workplace.
Two adjacent heritage buildings, Shelley Warehouse and the electrical substation, were integrated though penetrations in adjoining walls. The two heritage-listed buildings, together with the fitout targeting a 6 Star Green Star Interiors and WELL Platinum Rating, added an extra level of complexity and challenge to the project that was embraced by the client and design team from the onset.
This future-forward workplace respects heritage and celebrates the new while incorporating an industrial aesthetic befitting a construction company with introduction of biophilic elements and materiality for occupant comfort and coordinated technology.
Built on the land of the Gadigal People of the Eora nation.
Project credits
Design practice — FJMT Studio
Project team — Karen Garrett, Lina Sjogren, Margaret Metchev
The Award for Sustainability Advancement supported by Elton Group. The Australian Interior Design Awards are presented by the Design Institute of Australia and Artichoke magazine. For more images of this project, see the Australian Interior Design Awards gallery.