At the intersection of heritage and innovation, COX Architecture’s transformation of 270 Pitt Street in Sydney stands as a thoughtful response to a city and a sector in flux.

Originally a defence facility, the building’s robust bones offered both opportunity and complexity. Rather than anchoring their design in the past, COX looked ahead, shaping a space aligned with the dynamic future of Sydney’s emerging tech precinct and a new generation of tenants.

In this interview, the design team shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of adaptive reuse, from navigating heritage sensitivities and unlocking original volumes, to crafting spaces that cater to a diverse mix of users, from tech startups to government agencies, all while upholding high sustainability targets.

Architecture & Design: How did the building’s original use as a defence facility influence your approach to its adaptive reuse?

COX: Rather than drawing directly from the building’s former Defence tenancy, we chose to establish a new identity aligned with its future tenants. The city has evolved considerably, and our client ISPT was keen for 270 Pitt Street to reflect the dynamism of the adjacent emerging tech precinct.

What were the primary challenges in stripping back the layers of previous upgrades to reveal the structure's original character?
We undertook comprehensive 3D modelling early in the process, which mitigated major surprises in terms of volume and structure.

However, working around the existing glazed façade adjacent to the heritage-listed Pitt Street Uniting Church proved challenging and required refinement once superfluous ceilings and partitions were removed.

In reordering the street edge with the new podium façade, how did you ensure alignment with the adjacent heritage-listed Uniting Church?

We carefully referenced the Church’s key datums to ensure the new façade presented as cohesive and respectful. This alignment was critical in creating a considered dialogue between the old and the new.

Could you elaborate on the design considerations behind the 6-metre-high lobby and its connection to the mezzanine wellness space?

We sought to create a dynamic lobby with diverse functions connected by undulating levels.

Connecting Wellness, meeting, social and dining spaces stitches together the rich amenity offering within 270 Pitt. The impressive volume allows us to create both visual and physical connections between the diverse functions. A copper stair connects the entry level to the mezzanine and wellness space, it’s a little tucked away creating a slow reveal of design features and a sense of discovery.

How does the integration of a café and flexible meeting rooms enhance the building's appeal to a diverse tenant mix?

The meeting spaces are varied from large scale enclosed spaces to intimate semi-enclosed booths catering to both formal and informal interactions. The café is the beating heart of 270 Pitt, creating a convivial and warm entry that provides another opportunity to connect in a more social setting.

What strategies were employed to achieve the targeted 5–Star Green Star rating, particularly concerning material selection and building services?

The materiality selections were reviewed against Green Star certifications (e.g FSC certification, Green Rate Level A, Cradle to Cradle certification) and replaced where required to ensure targets for each section of the building’s construction were met. During construction, particular attention was paid to diverting at least 90% of construction/demolition away from landfill.

Workstation furniture from the previous occupants of the tower was retained for reuse with incoming tenants. In regard to services, 100% of the building’s electricity is coming from renewables with water services achieving at least 15% less portable water compared to a reference building.

How does the rooftop terrace contribute to the overall functionality and tenant experience of the building?

The terrace offers a covetable flexible space at the crown of the building taking advantage of views across the city. This space also enables tenants to create a progressive mixed mode workspace.

In what ways does the design cater to the needs of both tech startups and government agencies within the same workspace?

The design has a distinctive personality but isn’t polarising. There is a very rational approach to the workplace that speaks to the values of both tech start-ups and government agencies. The third space is neither corporate or trend driven, offering a considered balance of timeless neutral and natural bones with punchy moments of copper, colour and expressive lighting.

How does this project exemplify a 'more with less' design approach, and what benefits does this bring to the occupants?

The space is designed with an exposed concrete soffit and services and polished concrete floors. This pre-empts the inevitable strip out by tenants when creating a tenancy fit out and minimises waste and the carbon impact of multiple tenancy fitouts. Both tech and government agencies have high sustainability targets.

The design leverages volume, light and considered planning more than superfluous materials to create a layered and considered space. The primary palette of natural, stone, timber and copper create a timeless and tactile approach to a commercial space.

What role does 270 Pitt Street play in the broader context of Sydney’s evolving Town Hall precinct?

This development assists in balancing the energy of the city and drawing tenants back to the Southern end of the CBD. Alongside the new Gadigal Station tower development (also a COX project in collaboration with Foster and Partners) this part of the city is creating a new precinct.

Tapping into the burgeoning tech precinct but still approachable to the more conservative tenants.

Images: 270 Pitt Street / Renders courtesy of ISPT

Clémence Carayol

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