The refurbishment of nine floors of Town Hall House is respectful of the original architecture, designed in 1977 by Ancher, Mortlock and Woolley. Now an iconic example of Sydney’s Brutalist architecture, the 23-storey tower was built behind Sydney Town Hall to provide a central location for the City of Sydney Council, accommodating approximately 1000 of its staff.
Public spaces on the first two levels have been reimagined as internal laneways, with new entries rationalising and easing circulation to the library café, customer services and exhibition space. To complement the concrete and stone interior of the existing Brutalist architecture, the interiors feature materials with natural warmth, such as recycled timber. Overhead, an exposed ceiling with a custom-designed grid of circular pendants creates a suspended landscape of light.
Expand ContentElements of the original architecture have been reinstated, including a curved stairway connecting Levels 1 and 2.
Offices across seven floors balance working zones with café-style breakout spaces to create a productive and attractive working environment. Achieving 5-star Green Star certification, the project implements energy efficient lighting and was built with certified sustainable products and materials.
The refurbishment of Town Hall House provides a contemporary work environment for the City of Sydney that, while respectful of the original architect’s vision, delivers contemporary amenity.