Returning Community – Aje Headquarters by Those Architects

Coming full circle, Aje Headquarters brings an existing building a new purpose – one connected to its creative and grassroots beginnings. Home to Australian coastal-chic fashion label Aje, the landmark building has been stripped back to its core, creating a clean palette to build from.

Throughout its past life, the building has had many guises including, most recently, that of a well-known Argentinian eatery. However, back in 1890 when it was built, it was intended as a retail space and was an accessible and inviting provider for the community; this shared gesture of openness then inspired its most recent transformation.

Gathering around the central atrium, each level is joined and connected as a mini community of sorts with interlocking elements.

A prominent hero of the space, the central atrium brings in natural light from above and draws it deep into the space. A rarity for both its time, and for so many built up areas within Sydney, Those Architects wanted to ensure natural light became a celebrated element of the design. A courtyard-type arrangement is created inside the building, with the existing partitions removed and opened up. Gathering around the central atrium, each level is joined and connected as a mini community of sorts with interlocking elements.

The building had been in a state of ill repair and the glass, metalwork and detailing all needed restoring. Out of respect for the original makers of the building, there was no question this would form the initial works. The stripping back process uncovered a number of shapes and curves within the original structure that then inspired the furniture and other pieces inserted into the space. The cross-over of likeness between the core values of Aje and the building’s origins made for an obvious pairing. Artisanal detailing is a key feature for both and allowing for the different interpretations is celebrated in the final design.

The stripping back process uncovered a number of shapes and curves within the original structure that then inspired the furniture and other pieces inserted into the space.

Transforming the boxed-out rabbit-warren type spaces into an open and connected breath of fresh air, Those Architects beautifully capture the essence of Aje while also celebrating the building’s history.