An existing brick warehouse was converted to corporate offices and showroom for a construction company specializing in individual luxury homes. The project is located on a narrow site to the rear of a two-storey Victorian shopping strip and abuts a single storey residential neighbourhood in inner Melbourne.

The design involved the addition of a third storey behind an inclined zinc-clad external wall with clerestory glazing to create a tall, dramatic, light-filled gallery space along the full length of the new interior. Externally, the inclined wall distorts the perception of height along the site’s boundary; reducing the visual impact upon adjoining residential properties to the south and allowing them access to north light.

The brief required the creation of a contemporary setting for the company’s activities, deliberately avoiding any particular themes or references to period architecture. The building was to be a reflection of the growing business – a progressive and innovative design and construction group demonstrating its ability to undertake complex and sophisticated projects.

The development accommodates a showroom, materials store and car parking (within a 3-car stacker) at ground floor level, gallery spaces and amenities at the first floor level and offices at the second floor level.