Camperdown Warehouse

Camperdown Warehouse is a standout example of adaptive re-use, where a century-old industrial shell has been transformed into a refined three-bedroom residence. Originally a motor vehicle factory and later converted into apartments in the 1990s, this project presented a unique opportunity to work within a heavy concrete structure with no internal walls, offering complete design freedom and complexity in equal measure.

Working closely with Archer Office, we delivered a highly detailed and technically challenging build, where structure and furniture blend seamlessly. New mezzanine floors were inserted with pinpoint accuracy, supported on freestanding steel columns that preserve the vast volume of the original warehouse. Custom steel joinery used for shelving, stair supports, and glazed partitions was fabricated with precision, becoming both structural and sculptural elements within the home.

Throughout, the build balances industrial character with contemporary comfort. Sliding screens, bi-fold doors, and integrated joinery allow the space to adapt easily to different uses, giving the owners flexibility without compromise. The project demanded not just attention to detail, but a collaborative approach to bespoke steelwork, glass installation, and timber finishes delivered to the highest standard.

‍

Type

Adaptive reuse - Apartment conversion

Architect

Archer Office

Engineer

Partridge Engineers

Photography

Kasia Werstak

First Floor Plan

Refreshed bathroom.

Custom fabricated steel sheets that give structural integrity to the mezzanine level.

Frosted glazing used in the bathroom.

Mezzanine that overlooks the lower level of the home.

A pop of colour in the bathroom to contract the otherwise dark features of the home.

Floor to ceiling window that promotes natural light to enter the interior.

Polished concrete flooring that elevates the industrical feel while providing a sleek way of living.

Our Impact

Reuse of existing Hardwood

The convex roof, enormous glazed units made with recycled hardwood, a sunken concrete bathtub and all built within metres of a protected gum, each bringing a unique set complexity, complications and considerations.

Reuse of existing Hardwood

Our Process

Pre-Construction

As with all adaptive reuse projects, early involvement was critical. We worked closely with Archer Office to understand the existing structure, define the construction approach, and plan staging around the building’s constraints. Detailed investigations informed the structural, services, and sequencing strategy, ensuring new elements could be cleanly introduced into the concrete shell. This front-end work allowed us to manage complexity, reduce risk, and preserve what mattered.

Early builder involvement to define methodology and sequencing

Existing structure assessed to inform services, layout, and retention

Staging strategy developed to work within a tight, multi-residential complex

Value engineering explored without compromising design intent

Original Car Assembly Factory under contruction .

Concrete Volume infilled with new structure and joinery

Early Works

Early works involved a careful strip-out of existing fitout and redundant services, while retaining and protecting shared infrastructure servicing other parts of the building. The concrete shell was prepared for new works through patching, sealing, and structural adjustments setting a clean foundation for the insertions to follow

Existing fitout removed, with shared services retained and protected

Concrete shell patched, sealed, and prepared for new works

Stripped Shell Progress during demoltion.

Collobration between architect and carpenter

Structure

Huge structural steel elements the cantilvered upper floor getting them through the front door and apartment building was difficult, steel blades form both shelves and support for the glass bridge

‍

Draped House slots between an existing scribbly gum tree.

Enclosure

Predominately an internal fit out, key interventions to the façade brought significant internal benefits. A massive single-pane highlight and sliding glass doors were craned into place during a coordinated night-time road closure — maximising light, ventilation and connection to the street. With the opening established, additional acoustic and thermal upgrades were made to improve comfort within the concrete shell.

Street closure and building opening coordinated for efficient delivery

Acoustic insulation and linings added to improve performance