283 Clarence Street, Sydney, NSW

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Professional Associations

About the project
Key Details
  • About The Project

    Activation of a former 1910 warehouse building in the CBD of Sydney into contemporary open plan offices on eight levels of the building and two-levels of retail on the ground floor and basement. All redundant services were removed and replaced with fully BCA complaint modern day services including lifts, air conditioning, data, electrical and comprehensive fire services. A two- level rooftop bar is to be shortly added to the construction.

  • Project summary

    Heritage 21 was the on-site heritage architect and was actively involved on site during the construction and conservation of this early warehouse building which; in its day was the tallest warehouse building in Sydney. Constructed in 1910, it used a steel framed system comprising original Dorman & Long products brought out from England. Sydney Harbour Bridge, which was constructed in 1932 also used Dorman & Long products.

  • What was done

    The building is known as ‘Nelson House’. Its earlier use was that of offices constructed in 1983 which resulted in highly intrusive intervention into the original fabric of the 1910 building. Much of Heritage 21’s work comprised the stripping back of the intrusive fabric and the conservation of the rest including the exposure of the steel columns and beams and the herringbone struts to the suspended timber floors. The 1983 lifts were replaced with new lifts – one of which extends to the rooftop.

  • Time frame

    2018-2020 (2 years)

Services provided
  • Schedule of conservation works
  • On-site Heritage Architect
  • Interpretation Strategy
  • Executive advisory position- guiding all conservation works (materials and methodology)
Why was the work undertaken?

The work that was commissioned by the developer/ owner facilitated eight levels of office space of approximately 170 sq.m each and two levels of retail on ground floor and basement. The project provided an opportunity to conserve the building’s fabric. By introducing contemporary facilities and services in careful, considered, and appropriate ways, a delicate balance of new and old was achieved in this project.

Who was the work completed for?

Ausino Properties was the developer for Nelson House. Director, Robin Sang actively participated in all aspects of the building’s conservation and showed a keen interest in achieving the highest quality products and methodologies to restore this heritage listed item in the CBD of Sydney.

Outcome

Very positive outcome for the heritage building due to the extent of the conservation works carried out in the premises. Previous intrusive elements were removed. The entire eastern façade was conserved inclusive of tuck-pointed brickwork, sandstone conservation, copper frontispiece cleaned up and burnished and the parapet wrought iron reinstated.

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What our clients
& partners say:

“'I have had some involvement with Heritage 21 in working through the design and documentation currently taking place at the Exchange Hotel in Balmain, and have appreciated the ability to provide recommendation on potential design outcomes that are able to be supported as consistent with heritage requirements' ”

Liam Corr
Registered Architect

“It has also been a pleasure working with Paul and your team on this project. To be honest, I had not done heritage projects before and it was only through Paul and your team’s guidance that allowed me to complete this project at a high standard. I am now confident in doing heritage projects like this and I look forward to the next project that we can work on together. Again, thank Paul and Divya patience and professional advice throughout the process. ”

Eddie Lam
Builder

“Really appreciate the help in responding the RFIs. I acknowledge all the work that was required and that you put into that report. Maddocks said you made their job easy! ”

Max Symonds
Development Manager - Metro Property Development

“Just as client-side project manager for Honey Insurance, I would to let you know that it has been a very positive experience and appreciate your quick responses and quality of work from you and your organisation thus far. ”

Nick Maric
Project Management

“I just wanted to share the good news that Canterbury-Bankstown Council has decided to withdraw the development control order issued to our client. The report you prepared was pivotal in this decision by the Council. Many thanks to you, Paul and the team for your work on this. ”

Anna Lindeman-Jones
Senior Associate - Addisons

“I'd like to thank Paul and Lauren for their dedication, persistence and well thought through support and substantiation of the design merits of our development proposal; it is no easy feat to have a new building approved in a heritage conservation area, and particularly adjacent to heritage items. ”

Tim McLachlan
Development Manager

“I consider that we have a well prepared case that has been cogently articulated by Paul and Michael. It is a fraught experience for us, however we do appreciate the input from top professionals such as Paul ”

Richard Mann
Registered Architect

“Hi team at Heritage 21 I just wanted to say thanks for all your hard work on Mosman and being so responsive etc. One of our team recommended you and I have been very happy with the service provided. ”

Di Jones
Principal - Linked Project Management

“We would also like to take a quick moment to thank you all for your contribution to the project and we will update you on any developments as necessary”

Jose Serrao
Registered Architect

“Dear Heritage 21 team, I am please to advise that all the work prepared by your team has satisfied council’s contentions. We definitely know who to come to next time for heritage matters. ”

Andres Caceres
Level 33

“Thank you for all your work preparing this Statement of Heritage. I sat down yesterday and had a good read cover to cover, and felt very appreciative of your level of research and detailed consideration of our requirements.”

Veechi
Varuna', Katoomba

“Just wanted to let you know, Council agreed with us in our application to reinstate the front facade! I am so excited. I wanted to thank you for all your help in getting this across the line. ”

Jane Frawley

“It has been a pleasure to work with you and your team as well!”

Georgia
Holding Redlich

“Dear Heritage 21 team - This is an excellent result, thank you for all your work.”

Sevda Cemil
Midson

“Sites with heritage values present great opportunities, however often can be easily derailed if clear, concise and timely advice is not provide at the earliest stages of site planning. I have worked with Heritage 21 over numerous projects across Sydney and have found them to be valuable project partners in the development process. ”

Vince Hardy
Urban Planning Consultant, Cityscapeplanning+projects

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