The adaptive reuse of a former warehouse in inner-city Chippendale to form the new Sydney premises for Allen Jack+Cottier, was the next logical step for the rapidly expanding practice, which had outgrown its offices in nearby Surry Hills. A variety of breakout spaces and team pods have enabled us to retain the creative intimacy of a small studio within a large open-plan office space.

Our main priorities were to create a healthy, light-filled and ‘green’ office space. These priorities informed both our decision to adaptively reuse a former warehouse, which we believe is one of the best ways to be sustainable, and the selection of all materials. Natural-fibre carpets and low-emission paints are used throughout the building. All workstations are low formaldehyde MDF, light fittings simulate natural light and are energy efficient, and the air-conditioning system has a natural-ventilation option. Toilets and taps were retrofitted to minimise water consumption.