NOWarchitecture Office

Year: 2006

Situated in the heart of Fitzroy, this office space, originally designed as a residential property, was dramatically reconfigured to provide NOWarchitecture’s studio. With the main collaborative workspaces on the ground floor and meeting rooms, staff facilities, archive and research spaces in the basement, the spatial relationships function effectively and coherently. 

Dynamic faceted translucent glass panels form a three dimensional plane through both levels which elegantly defines the open planned studio zones and maximises light transmittance throughout .

Storage and work benches have been carefully integrated to support the office activities and coordinate the open aesthetic.

Stripping back linings to increase the internal volumes also exposed high levels of thermal mass. Combined with natural ventilation, the thermal mass enables the office to operate without air conditioning. 

The entrance space provides Client welcome and seating before being accompanied by the architects to the comfortable meeting room at the lower level basement. The light court notched into the building’s east facade admits excellent natural light and ventilation into both the levels efficiently and effectively. 

The north facing deck provides external space and separates the office from the street allowing the glazed facade to be opened up when the weather is suitable.