ARC Fashion

Heritage façade restoration in the heart of Surry Hills.

Location: 29-41 Hutchinson St, Surry Hills

Value: $16M

Client: Arc Fashion Group

Architect: BKA Architecture

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The ARC Fashion head office is located on Hutchinson Street in Surry Hills, within the beautifully restored Bowden cable factory. This heritage conservation project preserved the building's original exterior, as well as key internal elements such as timber floor mezzanines and the entrance lobby (circa 1946). Designed by architect Eric M. Nichols, the building was later expanded by Coty to accommodate additional warehousing and training spaces.

Over 24 months, we transformed this historic structure into a modern 3,300 sqm commercial office space across four open-plan levels. The cold shell commercial tenancy was made ready for fit-out by new tenants, while key areas, including the entrance lobby, lift lobbies, bathrooms, balconies, ground-floor courtyard, car park, and end-of-trip facilities (bicycle parking, lockers, and showers), were fully completed.

A standout feature of the project is the structural steel curved roofing system, carefully engineered for optimal performance. Manufactured in China, the roof was designed and shop-drawn in 3D over a detailed three-month process, ensuring a seamless fit. Over 500 individual members support the roof, finished with raw pre-weathered zinc sheets that were rolled, cut, and hand-installed as a folded double-lock standing seam, resulting in a striking architectural feature.

Other highlights include the heritage façade, re-clad in durable natural zinc sourced from France and expertly fabricated on-site by specialist tradesmen. Additionally, the level 2 landscaped garden, featuring 13 palm trees, is particularly impressive, with a central atrium that provides natural light to all levels. 

This project is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail that preserved and enhanced the building's most impressive features, while integrating modern elements seamlessly.