Sherman Studio, Paddington

New South Wales

Client | Brian and Gene Sherman

Site Area | 320m²

Value | $3.3m

Awards | Commendation for Heritage, RAIA; Architectural Steel Design Award, Australian Steel Institute; Woollahra Conservation Award

This project is home to the Sherman Group of businesses. The building operates as a ‘think tank’ to each of the enterprises and as such was created to provide a comfortable, collaborative and flexible environment in which to work.  

The project involved alterations and additions to an existing 1800’s corner shop and stable with the insertion of a new steel and glass building to link the two heritage items. The intention of the project was to clearly articulate the old from the new whilst maintaining the respect due to the projects context and site. 

Entry to the building is through a courtyard garden filled with sculpture and two mature deciduous tree. The reception point is located in the front heritage building and acts as a pivotal point in the plan. Office and meeting spaces radiate out from this point. 

The conservation of the old buildings and the insertion of the new built element have been crafted so as to be appropriate to context. Fenestration to the former bakery and stable has been replaced with steel windows in the same proportions as the originals. A new steel and masonry fence and gate screens the courtyard and new building from the street.

Work completed by Mark Gazy at Tzannes Associates. Photographs © Craig Carlstrom.