Built with Brickworks: 161 Collins Street Melbourne by Bates Smart.

Images courtesy of Bates Smart. Photography by Peter Clarke.

The T&G Building, at the corner of Russell and Collins streets, has a rich architectural history, even once declared Melbourne’s most beautiful building by The Herald two years post-construction. Built in 1928, the building was held up as a prestigious example of neo-renaissance architecture. In 1991, the entire 43,000 sqm structure was demolished with the exception of the heritage facades, tower and foyer, with the notable additions of a postmodern wing and light-filled central atrium.

Building owners, international property group Pembroke Real Estate engaged Bates Smart, who worked with Built on the latest upgrade – a total redesign of the 90’s atrium.

Bates Smart conceived, “an extensive refurbishment of the T&G Building using the existing built work to create a holistic experience that was befitting of the building’s proud history and location,” says Associate Director Grant Filipoff. “We set out to transform the atrium of the building from a cold thoroughfare to a warm, inviting new heart that is set to become a destination in itself.”

The heart of the building, the new atrium is a richly layered and functional space. A green-tint glass curtain wall was removed to form an open, welcoming lounge and terrace with a variety of adaptable seating options for both business and leisure, including leather banquets, a four-seat sofa and dining-style timber table.

Related: Built With Brickworks: Ivanhoe House By Kavellaris Urban Design.

Images courtesy of Brickworks. Photography by Peter Clarke.

Set at the base of a 10-storey tall internal void, Bates Smart chose robust, raw materials via Brickworks to provide solid ground and anchor the atrium, while maintaining an overall light, open feel for the building. A contrasting combination of Austral Masonry Architec Honed blocks in Alabaster, and GB Veneer Split Face blocks in Limestone form an earthy feature wall between the atrium and adjacent lift lobby.

“We spent a great deal of time with Brickworks to decide on not just the type of blocks to be used, but also the details required for a successful build,” says Bates Smart Associate, Darren Paul. “Working with various consultants and contractors provided a successful resolution to what was a challenging, but very rewarding part of the building.”

The split-face blocks are laid vertically, with gaps placed in an irregular barcode configuration, giving the wall a permeable nature. Steel beams projected through the feature wall suspend metal and timber planters, fitted with under lights that cast a golden glow that accentuates the tactility of the block materials. Honed blocks laid vertically are slightly set back, creating further dimensions of definition and contrast.

Images courtesy of Brickworks. Photography by Peter Clarke.

Other materials throughout the atrium take their cue from the block wall, such as brick slips on the floor and leather-upholstered timber furniture, similarly robust and traditional, yet presented in a contemporary format.

A retail, food and beverage hub is to be added to the ground floor, and a new dynamic dual entrance gives the option of using the original Collins Street entry or the newly pedestrianised laneway Ramsden Place, which connects to Flinders Lane. The development respects the historical and architectural legacy of the T&G Building while keeping standard with aspirational, future-thinking workplaces.

Related: Bricks Decoded: High-Rise Brick & Masonry Architecture.

This Yellowtrace Promotion is proudly created in partnership with Brickworks. All related thoughts and ideas reflect our genuine opinion. Like everything we do at Yellowtrace, our sponsored content is carefully curated to maintain utmost relevance to our readers.

[Images courtesy of Bates Smart & Brickworks. Photography by Peter Clarke.]