Bold Ideas – 9 Cremorne St by Fieldwork

Transforming a historic factory site into a dynamic office for building company Cobild, 9 Cremorne St by Fieldwork has been thoughtfully designed with the ethos of Cobild and Australian conditions in mind. Nestled on a city-fringe corner site in Cremorne, the distinctive building works in unison with Melbourne’s unique climate.

Fieldwork rejects the traditional glass office building by using expanded aluminium-mesh operable screens. The mesh reduces heat and glare, enables natural ventilation and helps create a surface of micro sunshades that offer protection from harsh sunlight while still allowing those inside to enjoy the views across Melbourne’s city skyline.

Fieldwork rejects the traditional glass office building by using expanded aluminium-mesh operable screens.

The office also encompasses Cobild’s brand, eye for detail and desire to push boundaries. “We wanted the building to be a living, breathing expression of what Cobild stand for, their skillset and high level of craft,” says Quino Holland, Co-Director of Fieldwork. The resulting façade is innovative in every way, from the ephemeral effect created by the anodised exterior to the visual impact of the elemental form and the way these design choices juxtapose with the building’s heritage fabric.

Innovation extends to the sustainable measures that have been carefully considered. Carparking numbers are reduced from statutory requirements by 78 per cent, e-charging facilities are provided and digital displays of water and energy use are provided for each office tenancy, which produce monthly reports on consumption trends, among others.

The mesh creates a sense of mystery, acting like a veil for those looking into the building, while also contributing to the building’s distinctive geometry.

The choice of materials also speaks to the evolving nature of the building, as well as its original heritage. The mesh creates a sense of mystery, acting like a veil for those looking into the building, while also contributing to the building’s distinctive geometry. To show the division of original and reconstructed architecture, the western façade has been restored, with the northern façade demolished and rebuilt using refurbished steel windows and original brick. Red mortar with a raked joint also subtly differentiates the original and rebuilt sections of brickwork.

9 Cremorne St witnesses Fieldwork bravely challenge the status quo of what an office building should be. Refreshing, responsive and resourceful, the innovative office responds to its environment and inhabitants in a harmonious measure.