Background
The mindful transformation of Brisbane CBD’s iconic 93 Edward Street building embodies the reinvigorating potential of adaptive reuse. Brought to life by O’Neill Architecture for Pellegrino Group Australia, the project thoughtfully honours the rich legacy of the corner edifice, while gently modernising its design expression, yielding a timeless, environmentally forward addition to the cityscape.
This sympathetic fusion of the past and present continues inside. Here, the raw storytelling of the exposed brick and wooden beams punctuates the space as a welcome reminder of the building’s architectural past. Further enhancing the connection to its historical and geographical context, the reclaimed expanse of original windows floods the space with natural light and frames views of adjacent buildings. These historical mementos are carefully offset by the contemporary palette of refined lines, soft furnishing and subtle neutrals, seamlessly linked by the timeless thread of timber.
“The vision for the space was to offer premium, design-focused, and flexible spaces for commercial and hospitality tenants, catering to modern businesses and visitors,” explains Shireen Hoffmann, the Head of Interior Design at O’Neill Architecture. “The design balances the preservation of the building’s original character with enhanced functionality, accessibility, and sustainability.”
This multifaceted design intent is beautifully embodied by the speculative suite on level 2. Its open, adaptable interiors set an immersive stage for a variety of work styles and business activities, while maintaining a poignant connection with the building’s rich architectural framework.
Interface carpet tile: Shallows in colour Rainforest & Sandbank in colour Rainforest Interface; LVT: Textured Woodgrains in colour Antique Oak
Interface LVT: Textured Woodgrains in colour Antique Oak
Interface carpet tile: Shallows in colour Rainforest & Sandbank in colour Rainforest Interface; LVT: Textured Woodgrains in colour Antique Oak
Interface LVT: Textured Woodgrains in colour Antique Oak
Challenge
While this compelling urban rejuvenation project undoubtedly sets a new benchmark for adaptive reuse, it didn’t come without its challenges. To enable the O’Neill Architects team to realise their intricate vision, it became paramount to specify products that balanced performance, environmental credentials and design flexibility.
These requirements were particularly relevant when it came to flooring. The team required an enduring solution that would withstand the foot traffic of a busy commercial or hospitality venue, ensuring exceptional performance and visual consistency for years to come. Plus, soft finishes became an essential requirement, too – they’d ensure underfoot-comfort, provide acoustic benefits and help reinforce the soothing expression of the modernised interiors.
Solution
With an outstanding list of credentials Interface emerged as the ideal partner for this urban rejuvenation project.
“The flooring choices supported various functional zones within the suite by providing distinct yet harmonious areas for different activities,” Shireen explains. “The carpets and LVT were strategically placed to define circulation zones, curtained spaces for intimate gatherings, collaborative work, and formal meetings, ensuring flexibility and functionality.”
Interface’s durable flooring solutions were also selected for their environmental credentials. They met the project’s rigorous sustainability standards and ensured low-VOC emissions, contributing to achieving healthier indoor environments – and fostering biophilic design principles. The team opted for a mindful fusion of Sandbank and Shallows carpets in Rainforest from the Upon Common Ground Collection, which emulate the natural beauty of the local landscape, and the Textured Woodgrain LVT in a warm shade of Antique Oak. This stunning palette harmonises with the tree-lined streetscape vistas, the scheme’s organic expression and the unique glimmers of architectural past, creating a cohesive and refined look.
“Interface products helped achieve the desired blend of historic charm and modern functionality by offering designs that complement the heritage features of the building,” Shireen says.
Lastly, Interface’s collaborative team also emerged as an instrumental component of the project’s success. “The working relationship with the Interface team was collaborative and supportive,” Shireen enthuses. “They provided valuable insights and expertise, helping to select the best products for the project’s specific needs. Their commitment to sustainability and design excellence ensured that the flooring solutions not only met performance requirements but also aligned with the project’s aesthetic and environmental goals.”
This transformative project certainly sets a new standard for the realm of adaptive reuse in urban environments. But it doesn’t merely offer a charming blueprint for a thoughtful design integration – the fact that the suite was leased prior to its practical completion is a powerful testament to the growing commercial enthusiasm for these multifaceted spaces.
Why Interface?
The short story:
- Sustainable and healthy materials: Interface’s commitment to sustainability, including low-VOC materials and strong environmental credentials, supports ambitious green building goals and contributes to healthier indoor environments, crucial for modern adaptive reuse projects.
- Biophilic aesthetics and connection to place: Products such as Sandbank and Shallows carpets, and Textured Woodgrain LVT emulate natural landscapes and materials, enabling design teams to create sophisticated, calming interiors that foster a connection to the surrounding environment and provide occupant well-being benefits biophilic design is widely recognised for.
- Design versatility: Offering a diverse portfolio including signature carpet tiles and high-performing LVT allows designers to define distinct functional zones, enhance flexibility, and achieve specific aesthetic goals within a cohesive scheme, perfectly suited for multifaceted commercial and hospitality spaces.
- Performance in harmony with heritage: Interface flooring provides essential durability, acoustic benefits, and underfoot comfort for demanding commercial and hospitality use, while offering contemporary designs that respectfully integrate with the distinct character and history of heritage buildings.
Project Details
Location: 93 Edward Street, Brisbane, QLD
Designer and Specifier: O’Neill Architecture
Client: Pellegrino Group Australia
Traditional Owners: Jagera / Turrbal
Products:
Carpets: Sandbank and Shallows in Rainforest
LVT: Textured Woodgrain in Antique Oak