PRESS HOUSE

A compact inner city in-fill site provides the opportunity to create a contemporary mixed-use building within tight heritage constraints. The project takes it name from the history of the original building which housed the Chinese Republic Newspaper and Trading Company. Press House a refined palette that references the warehouse character of Surry Hills. A new building has been inserted into a tight site that acknowledges the existing buildings in the area. Materiality of the project is a key element in achieving this. Exposed brickwork and timber contrast with contemporary raw elements of off form concrete and fine steel detailing. The weathered, charcoal Danish brick façade allows the building to sit comfortably in its surrounds giving the feeling it has been there for some time. The steel window openings pick up the rhythm of the street while the ground level concrete and steel restaurant entry with sculpted awning and skylight, provide an outdoor space to congregate on this busy urban street. The brickwork mask sits at the face of the street while a recessed upper level is set back providing external balcony spaces and a soaring ceiling to the generous top level office.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Mark Syke