BIG LITTLE OFFICE
An existing East Toowoomba ‘corner shop’ required refurbishment and a 25 square metre expansion to accommodate a small, family-run financial planning business. The owners wished to create a space that celebrated contemporary design and was welcoming for their clients and a workplace that was uplifting for their staff.
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The original awning was retained, and the shop was opened to footpath with glazing so the entry and dual-purpose lounge and meeting room could engage with passing pedestrians. The soft southern light transformed the dark and stale original space into a light and airy welcome for clients. The ceiling height was maximized in the meeting room and frameless glass doors allow these spaces to borrow from each other to create the impression of a larger volume than is actually present.
To offset the constrained footprint and limited outlook, the new open workspace enjoys a lofty volume and high slot windows that look over the existing roof to the street tree canopy and wash southern light throughout the interior.
Through careful arrangement of spaces and consideration of volume, interiors enjoy views of lush flora and active streetscapes despite the limited opportunities for external openings.
The furnishings throughout have been selected to compliment the client’s passion for modern design and artworks procured and hung to create a gallery feel within some of the long narrow spaces.
East Toowoomba Completed 2017
AWARDS 2019 Queensland Architecture Awards – People’s Choice 2019 Queensland Architecture Awards - Darling Downs/West Moreton Regional Commendation - Small Project Architecture
Architecture: Feather & Lawry Design | Structural Engineer: Kehoe Myers | Builder: Wilson Building Services | Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Energy Efficiency: Ashburner Francis | Photography: Curly’s Shot Photography.
