We have a unique way of working with our clients. We are a solutions provider, so much more than just being a supplier of architecture and design services. We like to work alongside our clients and other design professionals. This collaborative business culture is geared to smarter ways of operating, enabling us to achieve high standards of delivery and performance within budget and time constraints.
Sustainability is a core component of all our work. Our award winning architects look to maximise the opportunities that a site reveals. This results in buildings that comprise creative environmental, space or cost saving solutions.Balaclava Hat Factory
The much-anticipated refurbishment of the old millinery building in Balaclava is now complete.
The client’s words are produced below.
“We wanted to transform a c.1900 warehouse into a luminous sanctuary that redefines urban living while preserving the building’s history. Originally an open-plan two-floor warehouse with no outside connection and a ground floor that received little natural light. Our vision was to create a truly adaptable home—accommodating a separate space for work and family visitors.
The process:
We appointed a builder to work closely with our architect to bring the plan to life. Regular onsite meetings ensured issues were resolved quickly, while monthly budget/billings allowed us to proactively address overruns by economising elsewhere.
The Outcome:
What we’ve created is a profound sensory journey. Stepping from Balaclava’s busy streets through our front door transports you into a cathedral of light and tranquility. Our mezzanine bedroom sits elevated above the living space, while the courtyard brings sky into the building’s heart. The gentle waterfall adds meditative soundscape enhancing calm. This vertical separation creates distinct zones—the ground floor now functions as complete, self-contained space seamlessly transforming from family accommodation to professional workspace.
The blend of original timber beams and new steelwork creates wonderful contrast between old and new, celebrating the building’s industrial past and contemporary future while preserving authentic warehouse character. Stripping decades of paint from brick walls revealed textures that breathe with history. We’ve strategically used warm brass throughout—kitchen, entry door, and courtyard backdrop—creating opportunity for light to bounce and reflect, giving the building a glow that envelops the space in warmth.
Light flows through our home creating ever-changing moods. Morning coffee in the courtyard feels like private escape, while sunset drinks on the mezzanine balcony offer beautiful city skyline views. That charming surprise—Melbourne’s hot air balloons drifting past each morning—adds daily poetry to this transformation.”
This will be a high end residence for a couple who have a keen interest in sustainable design and a willingness to fully explore the design potential of this old hat factory. Sustainability is a priority as it is with all our projects. Re-use and adaptation is an important aspect of our sustainability approach. For example the old beams will be milled on site and re-used for the new stair treads. Doors have been re-sized and re-used throughout the building. Ceiling foilboard is repurposed as insulation in the walls.
The new space will incorporate luxury design features such a moat, an outdoor bath and a fully brass kitchen. But these are not follies. The building will surpass the exacting environmental requirements that are so often difficult to achieeve when adapting buildings of this type.
We will be excited to showcase the finished project soon.