cover story
35
The Goods Shed North
is an object lesson in
how to transform an
historic treasure.
Solutions on different levels
Under Ninotschka Titchkosky’s leadership, BVN’s design
solution has managed to satisfy all the requirements of
the brief.
The Interior Design Association recently recognised
BVN Architecture with two significant awards for Goods
Shed North, one for Corporate Design and the other for
Environmentally Sustainable Design.
According to the Awards jury, “The challenge presented by
the base building was expertly addressed with an unflinching
interior-focused design approach that maximised the spatial
qualities through a clever breakup of planning and a mix of
open, semi-open and enclosed volumes.”
Atrium voids have been used to enhance interconnection
between the ground floor and mezzanine level of the
workplace. Tower structures contained within these atrium
spaces are used to house both formal and informal meeting
and café facilities. The structures are not only a design
feature but also assist with space delineation and create
alternative work spaces.
The design aimed to achieve an aesthetic response that
built on the existing and reinterpreted elements into a new
aesthetic. The building’s high ceilings, clerestory windows,
exposed trusses and brickwork and cast iron heritage
columns – all key historical elements – have been retained
while accommodating state-of-the-art technology.
The result is the creation of Victoria’s most sustainable
historic building – the first 5 Star Green Star heritage listed
building in the state – and a dynamic, versatile, contemporary
workplace that fosters collaboration and innovation. And that
isn’t the end of the story, the building has been designed to
take on a future retail use in about 15 years.
