this purpose, on a compact 270 square-metre site. This building was
archetypical of a ‘build to rent’ style that is prevalent throughout the
state. As expected, these buildings have monotonous, almost cookie-
cutter designs, with little allowance for daylight within the rooms.
Also, given that they are built for monetization, the buildings have a
very straightforward presence with little character.
In order to live up to the requirements of the clients, the architects
had to devise a dramatic renovation plan. One of the main aspects
was matching the energy of its occupants, and the advertising agency
that would operate from the building. While the ad agency would
clearly be a fast-paced environment, with a funky, edgy vibe, the
renovation plan also had to take into account that the upper floors
would be inhabited by the expanding joint family that would perhaps
exude a more relaxed but joyful energy. The architects mention, “The
building also needed a look distinct from its neighbours hinting at its
mixed-use avatar.” With these challenges in mind, they set out to find
the most appropriate, effective solution to give the building more than
just a superficial makeover.The renovation plan took an inside-out approach, carving out the interior
to match the space requirements of each floor. The office space was set
up in the largely column-free space on the ground floor, while the upper
floors were allocated as family living spaces. The parents’ apartment
with a traditional closed kitchen and utility terrace was accommodated
on the first floor, while the second floor houses the sons’ open-plan
apartment. In addition to the walls, a portion of the second floor
slab was also demolished to link the two residential floor balconies.
To create an earthy yet attractive element within the entire building,
ferrous oxide walls with built in lighting features were introduced.
Towards the east side, a ferro-cement lattice ensures visual privacy
from close neighbours while also filtering light into the living spaces.