Situated on Clarence St, the Built Sydney Head Office is located on levels 2-4 of the adaptive re-use development of SubStation No.164. This project echoes respect for the build’s original layout and induces sustainability in materials and space usage.
Built’s Office consists of two heritage buildings – a former 1909 spirit warehouse and the adjoining 1930’s electrical substation. These two elements are seamlessly integrated through modern insertions and interconnecting stairs, providing multiple view lines and a collaborative, sustainable, healthy workplace.
All spaces are connected through a common theme of sustainability and wellbeing. The development sees material preservation and green power usage in integration with natural light wherever possible. To enable a holistic design, artificial lighting plays a significant role.
It is concluded that Built’s lighting solutions need to centre around the original heritage fabric while accentuating the new construction elements and seamlessly connecting the old and new of this heritage site. The challenge lies in providing an integrated yet concealed solution to allow the lighting effect to take centre stage. JHA’s Senior Lighting Designer, Joanna Pan, has exceeded expectations by developing a lighting scheme that not only harnesses comfort for productivity and creativity but also improves workplace wellness and circadian rhythm.
The Kobe Track Family features a beautiful finish, outstanding colour rendering and light quality with an additional option to enhance plant growth. Stepping out of the elevator, visitors are immediately drawn to the vibrant colours of the featured curved green wall, illuminated by the Kobe Track Spotlight and Kobe Flo. The Kobe Flo luminaires, in specific, use horticulture technology to assist with plant growth. This is an important design feature due to the lack of natural daylight within the Built Head Office.
One of Built’s Head Office’s priorities with lighting design is spotlighting the heritage elements and character-filled features. The Harry Norman Shelly sign, for instance, is an element that was found during site demolition works. Visible from two levels, the signage pays homage to the site’s past with assistance in illumination from the Eclipse Linear Lights.
Concealed within the slab edge, the luminaire provides indirect and direct lighting effects to ensure the illumination of this partially hidden gem is visible at every angle. Eclipse Linear Lights also mark their presence in the perimeter of the lift scarring to remind incomers of the site’s unique past. For its minimal glare and sleek aesthetics, the Eclipse Linear Lights are the perfect luminaires for this application.
Lastly, the Aeon Flex highlight architectural geometry and decorative elements. Flexible yet high-quality while offering dot-free illuminance and design customisation, the Aeon Flex allows a more purposeful lighting installation to the premise. The luminaire can be found within the handrails of the interconnecting stair, the perimeter of feature suspended ceilings within meetings rooms, and joinery elements.
Credits
Lighting Designer: JHA Consulting Engineers
Electrical Engineer: Shelmerdines
Architect: FJMT Studio Sydney
Builder: Built Sydney
Developer: Built Sydney
Lighting distributor: H.I Lighting NSW
Electrical contractor: City Electrical Services Botany
Photographer: Toby Peet
