Basic HTML Version
Macquarie Bank’s decision
to purchase 50 Martin Place
became the impetus for the
renewal of one of the city’s
most significant heritage
buildings. The project
establishes a new benchmark
for sustainable design through
building re-use, achieving a
6-star Greenstar rating.
The new works touch lightly
on the most important
heritage areas of the building.
The insertion of glass lifts and
bridges minimise invasive
security measures and a
disused heritage staircase has
been recommissioned as a fire
escape. From their arrival into
the original banking chamber,
visitors now rise through a
central void directly to the
rooftop in a glass lift that
offers views into the work
areas of the bank.
More dramatic interventions
have brought the building up
to Macquarie’s demanding
workplace standards. The
central void has been widened
by 50% and a bold orange
stair has been inserted to
link the floors. A full fresh
air system with underfloor
supply and chilled beams has
also enabled higher custom
ceilings.
Resting lightly on the masonry
base, a sculptural glass dome
has been added to house
a suite of lounges, meeting
and function rooms over
two floors. Discreet from
street level, the dome is a
prominent statement from
the surrounding towers.
Appearing original at a
distance and contemporary
up close, the dome echoes
the original building’s
symmetry and order. Technical
challenges of the design,
engineering, acoustics, audio
visual and lighting are resolved
with seemingly effortless
style through research,
collaboration and prototyping.
PROJECT TEAM
Practice Team:
Paul van Ratingen
Project Director
Matthew Morel
Project Associate
Peter Blome
Project Associate
Richard Johnson
Matteo Salval
Walter Brindle
Brent Alexander
Mark Rostron
Gareth Jenkins
Natalie Minasian
Davide Galli
Michelle Vassiliou
Brendan Murray
Sisi Wang
Yi-Jan Lien
Tomek Archer
Paolo Strracchi
Consultant Team:
TTW Taylor
Thomson Whitting
Structural
Consultant
BVN Donovan Hill
Interior Designer
Clive Wilkinson
Architects
Interior Designer
Arup
Acoustic Consultant
Acoustic Logic
Acoustic Consultant
Arup
Services Consultant
MBM
Cost Consultant
Surface Design
Facade Engineer
NDY
Vertical
Transportation
One Group
Accessibility
TKDA
Heritage Consultant
Steve Watson &
Partners
Building Surveyor
Construction Team:
Brookfield Multiplex
Builder
Savills
Project Manager
Scale
1:500 @ A4
0 2.5 5 10M
0 MARTIN PLACE
ection North - South
KEY
1. Banking Chamber
2. Grand Hall
3. Atrium
4. Northern Lightwell
5. Roof Terrace
6. Colonnade
7. Meeting Rooms
8. Safety Deposit Vault
1
2
4
3
6
8
5
7
Scale
1:500 @ A4
0 2.5 5 10M
KEY
1. Banking Chamber
2. Grand Hall
3. Atrium
4. Northern Lightwell
5. Roof Terrace
6. Colonnade
7. Meeting Rooms
8. Safety Deposit Vault
1
8
Established 1979
Named for one of the founding partners
of the firm of Stephenson and Turner, Sir
Arthur G. Stephenson, this award is given
for the design of an outstanding commercial
building.
27