» COMMERCIAL - ST GEORGE BANK FREMANTLE

 

Client Brief:

 

The client’s brief was to convert a dilapidated, non-descript two storey building into a modern landmark with ground floor retail and first floor offices.

 

Design Solution:

 

The client had secured St George Bank as the primary tenant for the building with plans for the branch to occupy part of the ground floor and the supporting offices tucked away on the first floor to the rear. The building was formerly the ANZ bank and the existing vaults were to remain and the division of spaces designed around them. A new retail tenancy is to share the ground floor and office space with a separate entrance to the first floor facing Adelaide Street.

 

The strong symmetry of the existing façade was broken up by large shopfront windows and openings on both levels to give the building a more approachable street presence that was also functional for the new program. The addition of a cantilevered boxed balcony on the first floor further removes all traces of the building’s previous incarnation and acts as a beacon for the entry to the ground floor retail tenancy and the front office on the first floor.

 

Materials were chosen to contrast with the existing and the surrounding heritage precinct. The façade is clad with zinc sheeting with a natural finish that will develop a soft, textured patina as it slowly weathers and ages over time, whilst also creating a subtle contrast with the sleek Alucobond cladding of the balcony box and awnings and the anodised aluminium louvers and frames. A contemporary colour palette of red, black, silver and white completes the transformation.

 

The interior fitouts were completed by others.