SubStation No. 164
SubStation No. 164
A head office for Built
fjcinteriors created a new head office for Built Sydney within the fjc-designed 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 provided a collaborative, sustainable and healthy workplace.
Two adjacent heritage buildings, Shelley Warehouse and the electrical substation, were integrated through penetrations in adjoining walls. A series of interconnecting stairs unify floors of different heights. A narrow space between buildings was kept as illuminated shafts with exposed services creating a moody display of original black wall and providing unexpected visual connections.
Open work areas
Three levels of open plan work areas and strategically located meeting rooms showcasing transparency through full height glazing with gently curved corners enables team collaboration and flexibility.
Close collaboration between both base build and fitout teams holistically balanced the building’s heritage brick walls, timber ceiling soffits and exposed services with a new material palette of polished concrete, reclaimed timber, black and oak toned joinery, tan leathers and copper highlights subtly referencing Built’s corporate colour.
Green Star and WELL targets
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 which were embraced by the client and design team from the outset.
Respecting heritage and celebrating the new, whilst incorporating an industrial aesthetic was befitting for the head office of a construction company. The introduction of biophilic elements and materiality for occupant comfort and coordinated technology inclusions has successfully established a future forward workplace.
Explore the architecture and landscape of SubStation No. 164.
Awards
| 2023 | Australian Institute of Architects (NSW Chapter) | Award for Commercial Architecture | |
| 2023 | Australian Institute of Architects (NSW Chapter) | Award for Creative Adaptation, Heritage Architecture | |
| 2022 | Australian Interior Design Awards | Sustainability Advancement Award (Built Head Office) | |
| 2022 | World Architecture Festival | Completed Buildings: Office, shortlist | |
| 2022 | World Architecture Festival | Futureglass Prize, highly commended | |
Press
| 23 Jun 2023 | ArchitectureAU | ‘Beauty, delight and joy’: 2023 NSW Architecture Awards winners revealed | |
| 21 Sep 2022 | ArchitectureAU | Pathway to a dense, historic and beautiful city: Substation 164 | |
| 17 Jun 2022 | ArchitectureAU | 2022 Australian Interior Design Awards: Sustainability Advancement Award | |