Projects Details
Completed
208K
150m2
Carafa Constructions, Hawkes & Crown
Set within one of Sydney’s earliest lift-slab buildings by Hans Peter Oser, this 150m² tenancy was reimagined as a collaborative workspace with two meeting rooms, a breakout zone and upgraded kitchen. Every move honoured the building’s unique post-war modernist DNA while enhancing flexibility and natural light—key to unlocking the space’s potential both functionally and financially.
Design Philosophy
The client’s deep appreciation for the building’s raw structure informed the design. Rather than concealing its workings, the refurbishment revealed them—exposing columns, celebrating materiality and layering new interventions lightly. Custom shelving, polished services, and an upgraded kitchen softened the industrial feel while retaining the space’s integrity, resulting in an outcome that feels both grounded and elevated.
The building, a rare example of post-war international style in Sydney, was under consideration for heritage listing during design. This placed constraints on structural change—but also inspired a more expressive, conservation-led approach. MDP, working under Hawkes & Crown, negotiated with the City of Sydney’s Heritage Division to retain the perimeter walls while refreshing the interior with precision. The design stripped back layers to reveal the building’s story: polished pipework, exposed copper conduit, acoustic panels suspended from an open ceiling. The result is a beautifully tactile, light-activated space that lets the building speak for itself.
Refined Detailing & Delivery Outcomes
This project was delivered during COVID—a logistical challenge that required tight scheduling and safe trade management to avoid disruption. Despite constraints, the build progressed smoothly and on time. The glass entrance and central light well transformed the dark corridor into an uplifting, gallery-like arrival space. The kitchen was reconfigured with elevated counter seating and views to the central garden, while the collaborative layout and meeting zones delivered on every part of the client’s brief. The polished result wasn’t just functional and beautiful—it was financially impactful, with the property selling for a significant gain post-renovation.
Led by Christine Hawkes under Hawkes & Crown, she managed the entire project—from concept to handover—delivering a workplace that respects its past while performing for the present. Through smart spatial planning, heritage sensitivity and refined detailing, the design elevated both the day-to-day experience and the property’s value. The outcome speaks volumes: a 150m² space transformed on a modest budget, sold at a $572,000 profit just 18 months after purchase. More than just a renovation, this project proved the power of good design to create light, culture and commercial success—all within the bones of a remarkable building.
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