In a landmark building that was once a famous Argentinian restaurant, THOSE Architects have peeled away the past to create a collaborative new headquarters for Aje. Their rigorous replanning has delivered a light-filled interior open yet discreet, that bring the business arms of this burgeoning fashion house under one extraordinary roof. THOSE Architects have reimagined an 1890s corner shop and terrace in Surry Hills, turning a burnt-out restaurant into a light-filled creative industry hub. Under an 9-metre central glass atrium, the two-storey space is the centralised headquarters for Australian fashion house, Aje. It consolidates a network of separate offices and workshops into a serene and seamless workplace connecting key business functions in a tailor-made hub.
For over a decade, the two-storey building, originally a corner shop and residence, had operated as the ‘hatted’ Sydney restaurant Porteno Argentinian BBQ. After an interior fire, the building sat derelict until the Milligan Group bought it and commissioned THOSE Architects to design an inspiring workplace for creatives. “Two key opportunities we identified early were the central space of the courtyard, and restoring original building fabric to make it legible.” —Ben Mitchell, THOSE Architects Director A labyrinth of boxy rooms, layers of interior linings and fire damage were stripped away, revealing the full volumes of the space. The response by THOSE Architects was to treat the interior like a courtyard building. Its two levels are divided into key functional zones, all hingeing around the central atrium, just as a courtyard house wraps around its garden.
Downstairs is reception, boardroom and meeting spaces - overlooking the design and production section - a dynamic maker’s space. Upstairs is the communal kitchen and breakout space, facing north into a laneway with mature trees. The architects have exploited this aspect with tall operable windows so the kitchen ‘borrows’ a balcony feel amongst the tree canopy. Also on this level, the CEO’s office overlooks the central void. Reglazing the atrium roof and all external windows has brought abundant new light to the interior. The atrium is a multi-purpose space, where clothes are on racks and collections shown. “The atrium provides a wondrous sense of calm and tranquillity to the showroom, where stylists, media and celebrities can browse the latest collections and explore with ease. This space also hosts company briefings or education sessions for the at-large team.” — Edwina Forest, Aje Co-director
Revealed in the demolition works, a prominent concrete archway was retained and used to anchor an assembly of workstations. Its curves inspired the motif used in some of the new insertions, such as the curved reception walls and joinery. “The curves help balance some of the interior geometry. They also act as a subtle way finding cue, leading you through the space. Furniture is also part of that experience and we built most of it into the architecture; the reception seating for instance.” —Ben Mitchell, THOSE Architects Director Supporting that way finding is the material palette and soft furnishings, all designed to align with the Aje aesthetics, and reinforce their brand. The palette includes oak timber battens, limestone flooring, travertine benchtops and goat hair carpet. Walls are natural white and custom-made tubular steel balustrades are a gentle Eucalyptus green.
Artisanal details and contrasts include smooth render-meets textured travertine, curved walls set against up-cycled natural timbers, brass accents for lighting and tapware.
Externally THOSE Architects have touched the building lightly, repairing windows, doors and structure, and repainting in a green and white scheme that highlights original details such as the Victorian parapets. The exterior had been modified substantially since originally built - its balconies enclosed and windows enlarged.
Sustainability has been considered in both the choice of natural materials used, and the considerable amount of existing building fabric that’s been retained and incorporated. Specialist engineering consultants were used on its advising on the delicate structural work of peeing back the past. Unearthed during demolition, a small segment of old terracotta-tiled floor has been preserved under glass as an imprint to the building’s past.