The Melbourne Welsh Church engaged DKO Architecture to design an office space in the new Urbanest tower adjacent to their existing 1871 Gothic Revival church. The brief was to create a series of interconnected offices and multifunctional rooms to service the church staff and community, which had to be easily adaptable and future-proof for a growing congregation.

DKO’s first design gesture was to maximise views towards the Church’s beloved Gothic building, which also inspired the material palette of the interior fitout. Light grey render finishes to the columns and walls reference the Church’s exterior, dark porcelain floor tiles echo the bluestone paving outside and  black metal detailing pay homage to  the contemporary  tower in which the new office sits.

“A feature volume clad entirely in American Oak brings warmth and texture to the space.” – Michael Drescher

Consisting of the central meeting space  and waiting areas, the feature Oak volumes forms the heart of the Welsh Church’s new office. Considerable effort was spent detailing the feature Oak volume, which extends from floor to ceiling, enveloping the user in warmth and richness of texture in stark contrast to the grey and black of the surrounding spaces. Frit detailing on the glazing references the symbols of the church and provides additional privacy whilst maintaining maximum light.

The connecting bridge which links the old and new is constructed over a new public laneway which was introduced with the development.