125 Murray Street in Perth, Western Australia is an exemplar for commercial refurbishment. The nine-storey CBD building had stood empty for many years, suffering poor levels of natural light, low ceilings and little visual connection to the city outside.
The refurbishment rebranded the building. Interior work was primarily carried out within the existing built form and fabric, allowing the budget to be directed towards key areas with an emphasis on quality materials, considered lighting and careful detailing.
The result is a unique, new commercial offering that delivers flexible floorplates supporting contemporary workplace models. A sophisticated entry plays against the exposed services and expressed concrete frame and brickwork on the floors above, creating an experience rich in texture and unexpected detail.
125 Murray demonstrates the possibilities of working sustainably within existing building stock to create contemporary workplace interiors that align with the expectations of tenants and deliver on client imperatives.
This project recently took home the Ross Chisholm and Gil Nicol Award in Commercial Architecture at the 2020 WA Architecture Awards.
The jury citation:
“Success of an architectural endeavour is often the ability it has to provide the client with more than they asked or expected. The detailed and considered refurbishment of 125 Murray St, a once tired building in the eastern end of Perth, has achieved just that. New life has been breathed into the fabric and flow of this commercial space through a few key deliveries of a number of driving concepts.
By opening the laneway-street corner, a revitalised interface with the lobby was achieved and not only was the potential vibrancy of a busy street bought inside, but the rich glimpses of the lobby interiors added to the street experience.
Whilst this was a vast improvement on the existing condition the jury was most impressed by the transformation of the interior spaces and the overall value add to the project.
The explosion of light within a previous dark, aging environment is testament to the architect’s vigorous pursuit of improved commercial space for the client. Added floor area, increased volume and generous light penetration through significant façade changes, removal of ceilings and service exposure, a light material palette and a wonderful skylight all contribute to the restrained, yet delightful, contemporary office spaces. A strong statement in the value of an architectural vision for a space well delivered.”
Project Details
Completion date – 2019
Project Team
Architecture
Cox Architecture
COX is a design-focused contemporary architectural practice with studios located in every major Australian city and a history spanning 60 years.
Key to their ethos is supporting the public life of our cities. Cox does this by ensuring each project makes positive contributions to its public realm – giving more than it takes.
Photography
Robert Frith
Robert Frith is a commercial photographer based in Subiaco, Perth.
Photo Gallery
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Design © 2020 Cox Architecture. All Rights Reserved. | Images © 2020 Robert Frith. All Rights Reserved.
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