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Archer Office acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work. We pay respects to their elders, past and present.
Projects / Boot Factory
Boot Factory:
Heritage Enlightenment
Archer Office has recently completed the Boot Factory project for Waverley Council, which sees the adaptive re-use of the heritage-listed building and its forecourt to create a community and innovation hub. The overall project also included major renovations to the adjacent Mill Hill Centre to accommodate Council offices, community and conference facilities, a community hall, and a cafe. As Lead Consultant for this project, Archer Office lead an experienced sub consultant team that included over 40 disciplines including Heritage, Structural Engineering, MEP, BCA, Access and Fire Engineering, Landscape, QS and Planning.
CONTEXT
The Boot Factory building was constructed in 1892, but by 2007 it had been vacated due to structural concerns and was in danger of being demolished. The community rallied to save the building and Archer Office was engaged to conduct a concept feasibility study to explore options. The Archer Office scheme demonstrated a feasible, value-for-money outcome for Council without the addition of any new floor area or building mass. This was achieved by sharing lifts, amenities and other facilities with the adjacent Mill Hill Centre to create a Combined Building. This solution simultaneously addressed Heritage, Structural, Fire, BCA, Access, Services, operational and Planning constraints while minimising scope and cost.
The Boot Factory in production mode, c. 1892.
Construction underway on the radial timber ceiling of the Boot Factory.
An R-Class Tram displayed alongside the Boot Factory, 1929.
HERITAGE
The Boot Factory is a significant Heritage building and the last remaining industrial building of the Victorian era within Bondi Junction. The project has completely reconstructed the building interior structure and roof, extending its useful life for at least the next 100 years.
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION
The project includes a series of Heritage Interpretation strategies. The original structural timbers were utilised in the construction of the new front door to the building.
FLEXIBLE COMMUNITY SPACES
The project includes a series of flexible community spaces for a variety of planned and unplanned future uses. The building is equipped with extensive audio visual equipment to allow plug and play utilisation by community groups.
SUSTAINABILITY
The project includes sustainability initiatives that include and extend beyond the adaptive reuse of existing structures. The building utilises natural daylighting and is naturally ventilated, supplemented by fans and air conditioning. The project includes a geothermal heat pump system to exchange heat with the constant temperature of the ground, which is powered by an extensive solar array.
WORKING WITH GOVERNMENT
The project required extensive consultation with Council and stakeholders. Waverley Council chambers have temporarily been installed in the top floor of the Boot Factory, which required detailed coordination of requirements for governance.
Project Details
Location:
Bondi Junction, Sydney
Year:
2024
Status:
Completed
Client:
Waverley Council
Programme:
Community & Commercial
Size:
1197m2 (Site Area)
Photography:
Builder:
Awards:
2025 Australian Institute of Architects National - Interior Architecture Shortlist (result pending)
2025 Australian Institute of Architects National - Sustainable Architecture Shortlist (result pending)
2025 Australian Institute of Architects NSW - Interior Architecture Award Winner (Boot Factory and Mill Hill Centre Precinct)
2025 Australian Institute of Architects NSW - Milo Dunphy Award for Sustainable Architecture Winner (Boot Factory and Mill Hill Centre Precinct)
2025 The Australian Timber Design Award with Partridge - Overall Winner
2025 The Australian Timber Design Awards with Partridge - Public Building Winner
2025 The Australian Timber Awards with Partridge - Sustainability Shortlist
2025 Australian Interior Design Awards - Sustainability Advancement Commendation
2025 Australian Interior Design Awards - Public Design Shortlist
2025 Architecture AU Award - Social Impact Shortlist
2025 Interior Design Excellence Awards - Public Space Shortlist (result pending)
2025 Sustainability Awards - Public Buildings Shortlist (result pending)
2025 Sustainability Awards - Adaptive Reuse (Alteration/Addition) Shortlist (result pending)
2025 Sustainability Awards - Interior Design Shortlist (result pending)
2025 Think Brick Bruce Mackenzie Landscape Award with ASPECT Studios and Matt Devine & Co – Bowral Bricks Finalist
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