New South Wales
80 Albion is an adaptive reuse conversion of a former Church and Presbytery for use as commercial offices and a restaurant. Built in various stages from 1855, the design embraces the buildings’ history whilst creating a flexible and contemporary work environment.
A fine subtle approach to the exterior allows the Church to remain the dominant element in the streetscape with the additions adopting a subtle presence. The interior of the Church itself remains a vast volume with preference given to volume over floorspace
Interventions were kept to a minimum for what was necessary for the ongoing development of the building. All new work is clearly contemporary, with steel and glass as the predominant language.
A glass roof was added in the space between the two buildings to create a new atrium, activated through its use as restaurant Shaffa. The journey from the street to this space frames the building’s history.
The design has created a unique and exciting precinct that has proven to be very popular with staff, prospective tenants, visitors and patrons. Upon completion we are proud to say that each space available for lease was secured by the first appointment.
Our unorthodox vision for a restaurant located half a level below ground and not visible from the street has proven to be a success which we attribute top the unique quality of the atrium space which is like a hidden urban treasure the liked of which are usually found in ancient urban centres.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
