2018 National Architecture Awards: The Emil Sodersten Award for Interior Architecture

Jury citation

The early-twentieth-century glass factory at 75 Myrtle Street, Chippendale deliberately maintains a mute, gritty, urban presence at its front street and rear lane addresses. There is no hint that stepping across the threshold will reveal a refined and delightful internal reinvention of two levels of space, structure, light and occupation. The new interior is an exotic cabinet of curiosities – a carefully crafted series of volumes and display cases inserted into the original building form. New patterns of circulation allow for the full appreciation of strategically placed artworks, surrounded by a series of warm, restful and intimate workspaces. Natural light is successfully introduced into the heart of the deep site through an airy glass-roofed courtyard garden that offers outlook to internalized workspaces. The design successfully retains the industrial flavour of the factory’s past by highlighting the grain and quality of original materials such as brick, steel and large-scale rustic timbers. The new interior adds a touch of glamour, with refined detailing of bronze, steel, glass and bespoke timber furniture that sits in counterpoint to the original. Great care and attention to detail suggest that this design is the outcome of a considered, collaborative and engaging process between client and architect.