Façade The existing facebrick shell was encased in a floating punch-brickwork façade grid tied in with steel posts . In order to increase the floor area , the facebrick shell was broken through to extend out to the floating brickwork grid . Once this was stabilised , the grid was punched open to bring more light into the building . Large open sections have been created in the form of boxes that protrude out of the façade . The boxes vary in size to add interest , with some also including balconies . The façade that faces Fredman Drive has had been used for branding , with large signage showcasing Primedia ’ s various media business offerings being incorporated amongst the box extrusions .
As the original building had no main entrance , the building was extended outwards , creating a tall , narrow entrance element in glass and steel that now provides a focal point and a sense of arrival . The materials have been left exposed where possible , with the glass and steel juxtaposed with the silver of the Bondek roof sheeting above . The sense of arrival is maximised by the staircase and flanking planters leading up to the glass entrance .
Materiality The tenant wanted to strip back the building , keeping it as raw and minimal as possible , thereby creating a space that is a hive of creativity with a loft aesthetic . Concrete and brick are left unfinished and imperfect . Slabs , columns , soffits and services are exposed and become part of the aesthetic of the building . In a way the building has become an exercise in sustainability and recycling and is a brave approach towards a commercial office space .
Challenges The project was quite difficult due to the very limited eight month build timeline . In addition to extending the floor plate , closing in the courtyards and building an additional floor , three levels of basement were excavated on the south side of the building within very narrow space parameters . The site quickly became an island of construction and the demands on the professional team were challenging due to this construction timeline . WBHO Construction was on-site within six weeks of the project being authorised , so the
15 Fredman Drive 843