The Hat Factory by Welsh and Major Architects

Built on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation

Newtown, New South Wales

Jury citation Through the skilful retention of as much existing fabric as structurally possible, this work rescues a warehouse of great social significance and the repository of many neighbourhood memories. The architect has interwoven new materials to develop a unique formal expression for the small (150-square-metre) site. A third storey, added to achieve two dwelling units, is organized around a full-height, rear-wall light well, allowing internal bedrooms/studies on the ground floor to gain light and ventilation. The exposed sandstone wall and retained graffiti of the light well contribute to the reading of a rich history and layered materiality.

The third storey provides large external terraces to each unit, held behind a beautiful, translucent, polycarbonate and steel mesh exterior screening. From the street, the facade presents a layered vertical composition: a painted wainscot, historic masonry and the translucent screen. Clear glazed windows across the facade develop an abstract expression.

The development of the old Hat Factory contributes to the enrichment of the streetscape and contains a delightful internal industrial aesthetic, together with new crafted elements, including finely detailed steel stair insertions. To its east, the development overlooks Hollis Park, with the resultant benefit of a safer public space.

Architect Welsh and Major Architects; Project team David Welsh, Chris Major, Andrew Short, Katrina Passer, Danielle Severino, Felicity May; Builder SFN Constructions; Acoustic consultant SLR Consulting; BCA Trevor R Howse; Heritage consultant Urbis; Hydraulic consultant Jem Design; Lighting consultant Lighting, Art and Science; Safe design

Safe Design; Quantity surveyor QS Plus; Structural engineer Central Engineers; Building surveyor GK Wilson and Associates Surveyors; Photographer Anthony Basheer