Stancombe Research & Planning Paddington NSW

This project in Paddington involved the re-design and total renovation of two double fronted end-terrace houses into offices for a market research consultancy. The brief was to space plan the building layout to reconcile public access with client confidentiality and to produce an aesthetic balancing a modern working environment with heritage considerations. Guiding the design and documentation process through the complexities of Woollahra Council’s DA approval process was also a key component of our service.

Planning studies suggested that the most appropriate strategy for linking the two properties was to retain one staircase and allow a linking loggia at the rear leading on to a large deck. This deck would become the rear focus, act as an arrival point for clients and client entertaining & act as a social hub for staff. Rear parking areas are also accessed via an external steel staircase leading to basement breakout areas and plant and equipment rooms. Our strategic response was to peel back the old building to its essential bones and build from these in a harmonious yet modern way using lightweight structures and timber as a foil to the older, more heavyweight original structure. Modern work environments were created using custom hoop-pine plywood desking to produce a softer, less conventional feel while considering computers & networking, air conditioning, staff facilities, entertainment areas, and provision for disabled access.

The major Conference Room with Loggia space beyond leading onto rear deck, features a glazed sliding door with an additional cavity-concealed smoke & fire door required for building code compliance. The room runs the full depth of the original terrace and features state of the art audio-visual equipment and a revolving exhibition of the company’s extensive Aboriginal art collection. The unusual body colour selected was intended to give a contemporary edge to a Victorian facade as well as give an unmistakable identity to assist visitors in finding the building. This colour concept has now been adopted by many other commercial premises at this important gateway to Paddington on Glenmore Road.