Transforming three levels of suites within BMA House on Macquarie Street, the new design optimises the magnificent views over the Botanic Gardens and Sydney Harbour beyond. Cognisant that BMA House is a beautifully detailed and constructed building with intricate decoration and gargoyles within the glazed tile façade, the design is respectful and celebratory. In 1935 the building won the UK’s RIBA Award for Street Architecture and the RIBA Bronze Medal, a first for Australia at the time. Within this unique heritage context, we collaborated with our client and builders to deliver an elegant refurbishment of the highest construction standard.
Expand ContentThe design successfully allows the heritage features of these suites to remain the visual hero, while providing all the amenity required for a well-appointed modern medical facility. Natural light from the existing bay windows on the Macquarie Street façade was optimised. These beautiful steel framed window bays are one of the main focal points as you enter the suite through the original glazed French doors. Additionally, a brass window winder system was carefully restored to reinstate this ingenious piece of early 20th century engineering into the design.
The whole of level nine is dedicated to Dr Stephen Morris and his patients, while independent specialists operate from suites and conference rooms on levels one and two. For Dr Morris’s suite, French oak chevron parquetry is contrasted with white beaded walls and joinery. This creates an excellent backdrop for the doctor’s art and antiques to be displayed.
On level one, suites are spread across five structural bays with the reception area occupying the central three bays. This area, with original timber joinery bookending the northern and southern walls, provides services and access to four specialist consulting rooms. Mirror-gloss credenzas bookend the central conference room to provide integrated audio-visual equipment and air conditioning. The walls and ceiling here are finished with waxed Marmorino render.
All suites have complementary aesthetics, with adjustments in finishes and joinery used to create an individual character for each level. In doing so, the heritage features of each unique space are carefully supported.
