Goodhope by Those Architects

Tucked away in Paddington, Sydney – among the classic facades of a 1940s garage and a 1960s commercial building – lies a space that exceeds the traditional boundaries of workplace architecture. Once two separate hubs, now subtly stitched together to become one, Goodhope stands not only as a commercial-gallery hybrid but as a testament to the art of transformation, thanks to the team at Those Architects.

Commissioned by the Sherman family – founders of the Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation (SCAF) – Goodhope embodies a blend of heritage and innovation. Initially serving as SCAF’s headquarters and housing other family ventures – including See-Saw Films – the space underwent a reworking where, through the clever use of materials and detailed planning, Those Architects weaves in new changes while keeping the original charm of the buildings.

Respecting the property’s heritage value while embracing the need for contemporary functionality, the team has ensured Goodhope represents a balance between preservation and progression.

Respecting the property’s heritage value while embracing the need for contemporary functionality, the team has ensured Goodhope represents a balance between preservation and progression. Both street-facing facades received a rejuvenating coat of white paint; however, this is where approaches differ and diverge. While the garage remained largely intact, the commercial building underwent extensive renovation. “The idea was to restore the building fabric of the old mechanic’s garage and then to ‘sleeve in’ the new offices under that existing structure, so it reads internally like a building within a building, highlighting the contrast between old and new,” says Those Architects director Ben Mitchell.

The interior of Goodhope is a testament to considered design and provides an immersive experience for visitors. Handmade bricks from Melbourne in muted chalky tones adorn the exterior, offering a textured contrast to the smooth surfaces of neighbouring buildings in Paddington. “Their colour was chosen to desaturate the whole material palette,” says Mitchell. “Given the tight nature of the site, we decided to keep materials simple and straightforward, allowing the buildings to be more expressive.” Inside, the space unfolds into 700 square metres of creative possibilities, with 15 offices strategically inserted under the restored gable roof to honour the relationship between old and new.

“Given the tight nature of the site, we decided to keep materials simple and straightforward, allowing the buildings to be more expressive.”

Natural light floods the interiors, thanks to the north-facing central courtyard and well-placed skylights and high windows. “We had to apply a different approach to natural light in this space, using skylights in the old, restored ceiling and then glass ceilings and timber-framed glass walls in these new offices,” explains Mitchell.

Breakout areas also offer moments of respite, with sliding doors blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. The material palette, largely consisting of Victorian ash timber, adds warmth and character to the interiors, evoking a sense of timeless elegance and comfort. Linear elements, from the masonry patterns to the floorboards to the bespoke furniture, create a sense of movement and rhythm – a visual metaphor for the gallery’s transformation.

As Those Architects celebrates a decade of architectural excellence, Goodhope is a shining example of the firm’s creative vision. More than just a physical space, Goodhope represents the power of subtle tweaks and updates to usher in a new chapter.

Architecture, interior design and joinery by Those Architects. Build by Reimer Developments. Landscape design by Inspired Exteriors. Engineering by Partridge and R Balas Consulting. Bricklaying by The Brickwork Co.