Bates Smart ™

Jones Bay Wharf
Pyrmont, Sydney

Jones Bay Wharf is the adaptive reuse of the last remaining finger wharf on Sydney Harbour. Bates Smart was awarded the commission through a design competition. Our aim was to sensitively preserve its industrial maritime qualities, while adapting the existing structure to provide contemporary office space.

The wharf consists of two sheds with an upper and lower level divided by a central roadway. The northern half of the wharf contains small strata titled offices; the southern half contains larger office tenancies, and the new Shore Building is constructed at the street entry. The Shore Building has been developed as a commercial office and function centre incorporating the existing brick structures. A screen façade along the street consists of an abstract composition of timber members creating a street presence and entry statement thatreinterprets the technology of the wharf, as well as its maritime history.

The new additions are clearly expressed as modern insertions detached from the heritage fabric. The design language of the new elements is crisp and minimalist to counterpoint the heritage shell. Structural glass balustrades and open stair treads are used to increase the transparency between spaces. The interior volume maximises views towards the harbour whilst simultaneously enabling an appreciation of the distinctive volume and industrial fabric of the heritage building. A flexible open plan office area was created which allows a discrete separation between spaces, providing privacy without the need for enclosing walls or rooms.

Bates Smart in association with PTW Architects and Otto Cserhalmi + Partners