Making History

A once-derelict space in a century-old Adelaide building has become an inspiring studio for architecture practice Williams Burton Leopardi.

WHAT HAS INFORMED THE DESIGN OF YOUR STUDIO? Sophia Leopardi: Our design studio is many things – it’s a second home, the place where the majority of our time is spent, a space to be inspired and inspire our clients and collaborators. We wanted it to reflect our work and the values that underpin it. It’s where we create and we love it.

WHAT INITIALLY APPEALED TO YOU ABOUT THE SITE OF YOUR STUDIO AND WHAT DID THE ALTERATIONS ENTAIL? We had been searching for a space to more accurately demonstrate our design philosophy, and the derelict 300sqm space in the 100-year-old State Heritagelisted Darling Building, uncovered on a walk to the pub, was an enticing opportunity to work with a storied building and create our own. Past the pigeon poo, water-stained walls and carpets, the natural light showed what was possible and the more open floor plates on the lower levels showed how this could be enhanced with the removal of some walls. We contrasted the gritty, exposed building fabric with carefully detailed insertions and, with a limited budget, the studio was opened up to maximise the wonderful light. Modest insertions of steel-framed glazing, recycled 1920s partitions and found objects set the scene, but it is not a salvaged aesthetic.