Bundarra | Smart Design | 2025 | 澳大利亚
At the bustling corner of South Dowling and Fitzroy streets in Sydney’s Surry Hills, Bundarra is a landmark commercial space that brings together a carefully restored Victorian terrace with an eye-catching modern extension.Designed by Smart Design Studio with interiors by Those Architects, the five-storey building is now the forever home of leading creative agency Howatson+Company. From the street, the contrast between old and new is striking. The modern addition is wrapped in patinated zinc fins and curved glass, twisting slightly as it rises to form an hourglass shape. The angled fins help block direct sun and reduce glare while still letting in plenty of natural light.
Meanwhile, the restoration of the historic terrace was careful and respectful. While not heritage-listed, it sits within a conservation area, and Smart Design Studio either faithfully restored or reinstated its original features, including the chimneys, slate roof and entry arch. Some unsympathetic additions were removed from the rear, allowing the new extension to wrap around the existing building.Those Architects worked closely with Howatson+Company founder Chris Howatson to create interiors that reflect the agency’s values of creativity and collaboration. “Working with Chris, we pushed the boat out creatively on this project, from the big picture to the granular details,” says Ben Mitchell, co-founder and director at Those Architects. “The intention was to create a timeless home for the pioneering agency, a space that would house people and art, drive interaction and inspire output.”
From the reception area to the open and practical work areas with enough space for 130 staff members, the office balances corporate formality with the dynamism of an agency. Custom timber desks run down the centre of the modern addition’s three upper floors, while boardrooms and private meeting rooms are housed in the terrace, each named for its own vibrant colour scheme. On the lower ground floor, a communal kitchen area with canteen seating is shielded from the street by a vertical brick screen.Soft, textured furnishings and warm finishes were chosen to contrast with the building’s concrete ceilings and sleek exterior, including carpets made from angora goat hair dyed with natural pigments. Bold and distinctive artworks by leading Australian artists Vincent Namatjira, Zhong Chen and Destiny Deacon line the walls, highlighting the agency’s focus on originality and inspiration.
Sustainability was also an important consideration. The building uses rooftop solar, high-performance insulation and an efficient structural system to reduce energy use. Much of the original structure was retained, limiting new construction to around 60 per cent of the site’s footprint.Smart Design Studio and Those Architects’ shared creative vision led to unexpected and unconventional design solutions, resulting in a workplace full of character and energy. For Howatson, the outcome is personal. “The design environment reflects my personality,” he says. “I have always been fortunate in waking up feeling energised, and this building offers the same – you step inside and it invigorates you.”
Architecture by Smart Design Studio. Interior design by Those Architects. Build by The Walsh Group. Landscape design by GroupGSA. Development by Milligan Group. Civil and structural engineering by Northrop. Heritage consulting by Urbis. Bricks by Brickworks. Tiles by Artedomus and Surface Gallery. Paint by Dulux. Artwork by Vicente Aguado, Anthony Burrill, Zhong Chen, Destiny Deacon, Bill Henson, Paddy Lewis Japanangka, Tim Johnson with Paul Rhodes, Nicholas Koshkosh, Elaine Li, Tomas Lineker, Vincent Namatjira, Anya Pesce, David Shrigley, SMACK, Kaili Smith and Martin Stranka.
- 项目文案：Emily Riches
- 项目摄影：Romello Pereira
- 摄影布景：Alexandra Gordon
- 项目摄影：Luc Rémond
- 转载自：The Local Project
- 图片@The Local Project
- 语言：英语
- 编辑：序赞网
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