The Modern Workplace – Campbell House by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
Reimagining the conditions of the conventional workplace, Tonkin Zulaikha Greer adapts an early-Federation 1890s house set within a heritage conservation area into private offices. Though inherently modern, Campbell House holds onto its rich history through an integrated design approach that seamlessly marries contemporary additions with the original building.
Tonkin Zulaikha Greer blends the old and new in a way that ap-pears natural and cohesive. The heritage façade of the building is mostly preserved, with modern interjections only elevating its historical features. Retaining original brick, windows and part of the gabled roof formation strengthens the contemporary additions, including a glass wall around a new staircase, an open atrium, timber floors with solid zinc thresholds, joinery and contemporary fixtures and furnishings.
The renovations also welcome a biophilic design sensibilty, as the building weaves the outdoors through the interior. The threshold between the inside and outside becomes blurred with deliberate vistas of a mature weeping fig tree through a central atrium and interior seating elements that unfurl out into the garden. Extending the landscape in this way also welcomes natural light into the previously dark building.
Campbell House has a strong sustainable identity, both in its adaptive renovation and in the use of light and ventilation. The new addition and central atrium are sympathetic to the original building while allowing greater solar access and climate control. Natural light is filtered using an array of solar panels, generating an ample amount of energy to meet the needs of the building.
The dexterous marrying of the past and the present is enhanced through simple materiality. A predominantly white palette and the use of recycled slate roof tiles to restore the original roof means the heritage façade of the Federation house is celebrated. Contemporary materiality such as glass bricks, white bricks, metal window reveals and metal awnings also enhance the original building. Muted tones create a calm and timeless interior that nurtures a positive working environment.
Through simple materiality and thoughtful additions, Campbell House intertwines various generations into one cohesive, elegant and unified whole that doubles as a warm and inviting workspace. Tonkin Zulaikha Greer celebrates the building’s late-1800s heritage with precision, creating not a polarity where new and old sit against each other but form a relationship where each is enhanced.
