It’s true that 2021 delivered a year full of ups, downs and dwellings. We here at Indesignlive were lucky enough to cover a multitude of them, across the realms of residential, multi-residential, commercial and workplace.

To recap the year that was, we are bringing to you the best projects from 2021 featured by us at Indesignlive. Shall we begin?

Smart Design Studio – Smart Design Studio

For 15 years, Smart Design Studio operated out of its Bourke Street headquarters in Surry Hills. 2021 brought about a change for the practice, relocating to a new space in Alexandria designed entirely by the practice. Housing double the floorspace of the previous office, the white minimalist office features a staggering 80 per cent of recycled materials within the building.

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Hayman Theatre – With_Architecture Studio

Originally designed by Vin Davies in 1968, the Hayman received a much needed refresh earlier this year by With_Architecture Studio. Ensuring the space is more functional and accessible, the work by With_Architecture is effectively ‘clipped’ onto Davies’ original designs, through the use of Equatone sheets.

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Sculptform showroom – Woods Bagot

Asked by the clients to create a concept design in the early stages of the design process, Woods Bagot effectively went chips in on Sculptform Showroom. The fluid, curving design envisioned by the practice pushes the boundaries for the capabilities of timber as a material and is something of a perfect union between client and practice, showcasing the expertise of both Sculptform and Woods Bagot.

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Asaleo office – Splinter Society

Asked to execute an entire workplace redesign with a sense of assuredness and conviction on a tight budget was something of a challenge for Splinter Society, but one they responded to with aplomb. Adaptively reusing a host of materials in a bid to reduce the project’s footprint, the new Asaleo office space features exposed concrete ceilings, columns and flooring, as well as timber panels and functional furniture pieces.

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8 Cunningham St – Make Architects

The site of a former chocolate factory, Make Architects oversaw the repurposing of this Haymarket precinct into a boutique office building. Retaining much of the former building’s character, Make’s approach aimed to juxtapose new and old within the one space with a material palette of copper, concrete and terrazzo sitting comfortably alongside chipped white brick, timber structures and an abundance of natural light.

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