When internationally recognised Crawford Architects’ Sydney branch wanted to create a remarkable urban design, with a flooring solution to match their prowess, they had to make serious choices. Being so reputable, with a proven track record in the planning and design of a wide range of development types, detail was of utmost importance.

They chose to work with flooring and wall solution specialists Honestone, in conjunction with builders Belmadar Pty Ltd. Valuing collaboration and seek in-sync partnerships, the group went all out when it came to renovating The Briscoe and Company Iron Merchants Building, vacant since the 1970s, in Wattle Street, Ultimo. The Building has a strong historical background, and still exhibits and retains many important and interesting historic elements.

Crawford Architects’ Paul Godsell said these elements can be divided into two categories – (a) the shell, and (b) its contents.

“The shell of the building is essentially a 3-storey Romanesque detailed federation brick warehouse,” he said.

“The floor structure consists of significantly sized timber columns at 3 meter centres, with beams, joists, and an elaborate array of herringbone strutting”.

“The contents (b) consist of an original stair and hydraulic goods lift”.

Perfect marriage between flooring solution and building’s character, heritage and design.

In light of taking on board Honestone to give the floor an exceptional finish, Mr Godsell said the company chose a unique flooring solution to meld perfectly with the building’s character, heritage and design.

“The historical Iron Merchants ‘use’ of the building was the catalyst for the selection of the lobby flooring. It needed to be robust, look indestructible, look like it belonged to part of the original building,” he said.

It needed to be easy to clean, and needed to be able to be applied to original slabs

“After from looking like the ‘bees knees’ – the Pandomo ticked all these boxes, and has proven a winner with the client, Crawford Architects, not to mention all the visitors/members that are blown away when they enter the lobby.

“Honestone’s director Rick Hendriks said his highest priority was to create a stylish refurbishment of an old iconic Sydney building. He said the client was supplied with numerous samples to rectify the existing concrete floor, and after intense consolation, the appropriate product was selected.

He also said that the turnaround of pricing and rapidity of installation were of utmost importance.

To find out more look at samples on our website www.honestone.com.au or call (02) 4353 0055 or visit the showroom by appointment at 10/22 Reliance Drive, Tuggerah, NSW, 2259.