Make Architects has converted a former chocolate factory in Sydney, Australia into a boutique office building. Situated in the city’s Haymarket district, the building was originally built in the early 1900s. The project is the latest in a series of new developments in the area with dining, commercial, and retail uses moving in. 

Preserving the structure’s original character was the core focus of the project. The design has retained as much of the pre-existing components of the 3-story building as possible, including the steel beams, timber flooring, exposed brickwork, and original hoists. New materials such as copper, concrete, and terrazzo, all sourced from within Australia, were chosen to contrast with the old. 

Make Architects crafted a new main entrance by painting over the original brick facade and adding a new copper and steel portal door. The former roller shutter entrance has been replaced with a custom double-height reeded glass and steel door that slides up, opening the lobby to the street. When shut, the glass becomes warmly lit at night. 

Within, the lobby features a new mezzanine adorned with a full-height reeded glass wall and a dedicated stair in black folded steel. The main stairwell is sheathed by a polished copper box. Moving up the next level, the copper transitions to glass and steel in order to maximize light. A tucked-away lift serves all floors. 

The office floorplates were left minimal, with exposed brick walls and subtle lighting highlighting the interior. Finally, the first and second floors feature new engineered oak floorboards, while the original boards form the exposed ceilings.