frame with a series of flat bar cross-
bracing. The external façade is then
tied to the perpendicular walls with a
Helibar system.
Architect, Janine Graves believes “The
upgrade of the locally listed heritage
building is a win for urban development
within Pyrmont. The Vernon building
will continue to be a landmark building
for many years to come”.
A new extension was also added to
the building over the 3 floors. The
contemporary addition is inspired
by design methodologies adopted a
century ago - Innovation, decoration
and social creation.
The choice of interfacing materials
between the heritage building and
the extension produces a strong
connection between the old and new.
The materials complement each other
and flow between internal and external
spaces in an asymmetrical fashion
much like the building before it.
Original concrete floors have been
topped with a white concrete, marking
the extent of the original building
footprint and in contrast, grey concrete
floors segregated by a subtle shadow
gap defines the extended premises.
Vertical circulation zones are clad in
Zinc, linking all 3 floors and the diverse
departments of the organisation
together. The zinc cladding also located
around landscaping to the level 1
terrace compliments the aged red brick
and the new glazed façade encasing
the rear of the original building.
Recycled bricks from the site’s
dismantled outbuildings were used for
infills and repairs.
Janine Graves states, “The major
renovation presented many challenges
through the construction process.
These were overcome by the team’s
passion for restoring a standout piece
of historical architecture and providing
state of the art facilities for the service
men and women who risk their lives
www.refurbandrestore.co.uk - 51