Project overview

In 2018 JCA relocated our studio to a run-down freestanding industrial shed in the Gasworks Precinct of Newstead. The brief for Stage 1 was to transform the shed and create an open plan workspace that celebrated the industrial nature of the building whilst being energy efficient and utilising biophilic elements of natural light, ventilation, foliage and natural materials. The Shed was stripped back to concrete slab, block walls and roof framing. A new high performing insulated roof was installed with Velux openable skylights for natural light and ventilation and a 18.9kW solar panel installation which supplies 100% of daytime power usage. The existing steel framework was celebrated with original Rust Guard paint colour and complemented with timber stairs, windows and trim. The original exposed concrete was polished and sealed, robust fc used throughout and elegant Bolon woven vinyl flooring reminiscent of South Pacific matting used on stairs and in the upstairs meeting rooms. The renovation has proven to be a resilient and flexible space during both the Covid Pandemic and the 2022 floods and continues to provide a warm and inviting workplace for staff.