The adaptive reuse of an 1892 shoe-making factory in Bondi Junction transformed a building once slated for demolition into a contemporary space while preserving its heritage character. At its heart, the "Cloud Room" features 52 vaulted exposed glulam beams radiating from a 3.6m x 2.4m skylight to a perimeter concrete ring beam, creating a distinctive cathedral ceiling. The structure is expressed through Vic Ash floor planks and beams supported by glulam columns, with a double-floor system concealing modern services while maintaining a clean exposed soffit. Enhancing seismic resilience presented a key structural challenge, particularly with masonry walls 60–120mm out of plumb, all within heritage constraints. Developed in accordance with the Burra Charter and BS 7913, the design balances the preservation of cultural significance with a functional, code-compliant outcome.
Transforming a deteriorated industrial building into a community-focused destination, this project demonstrates the value of adaptive reuse driven by local support and engagement. The sensitive integration of a new timber structure within a retained heritage shell was made possible by mitigating significant construction and seismic challenges. The project balances conservation, sustainability and functionality and highlights how structural engineering can support regeneration, preserve cultural identity and deliver lasting benefits for local communities.