Machine Hall and Sub Station No. 164
The adaptive reuse of Sub Station No. 164 is considered one of Sydney’s most unique and sustainable office developments, a transformation set to guide and inspire others considering sustainable heritage redevelopments
Sunday 3 November 2024
10am–5pm
About the building
Building information
After sitting unused for decades, today Sub Station No. 164 is a striking example of Sydney's ambitious approach to revitalising historic architecture. This transformative project married two adjacent heritage buildings on Clarence Street– a 1909 wine and spirit warehouse and a 1930 substation – into one of the city’s most dynamic sustainable office developments.
As both the developer and builder on the project, Australian-owned construction and development group Built was able to use its experience and capability in complex construction and heritage refurbishment to unlock the many challenges and constraints of the site that had previously been insurmountable to other developers.
Original elements like the brickwork, warehouse floors, windows and even the early hydraulic lift have been retained. A notable feature of the redesign is the reimagined ‘Machine Hall’ with its impressive 12-metre-high ceilings, now repurposed as an event space.
The project’s design, by fjcstudio (formerly FJMT), introduces a delicate balance of suspension and contrast, with a lightweight glass extension that seems to float above the robust brick foundations, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.
The new structure is distinguished by its elegant glass skin, which seamlessly integrates with the existing brickwork below. This sinuous facade, enhanced by advanced glass technology and a linear translucent ceramic frit pattern, conveys a sense of buoyancy and fluidity. The addition of eight floors, more than doubling the original height, is subtly integrated through innovative engineering. The building’s steel framework is expressed openly, contrasting with the historical fabric and contributing to a striking visual balance.
Above the heritage buildings, the lightweight, glass-clad extension appears as a floating cloud, creating a unique vantage point from which to appreciate both the historical and contemporary elements of this exceptional Sydney development.
Machine Hall
Set across the ground and subterranean levels of the former Sub Station No. 164 and historic Shelley’s Warehouse buildings, the Machine Hall offers a world-first creative and cultural hub in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Its transformation represents a unique partnership between Australian development and construction group Built, the Machine Hall founders, and the City of Sydney.
From a historic substation and former warehouse to Sydney’s newest cultural precinct, Machine Hall celebrates its iconic architectural features and preserves its rich heritage fabric. The venue has been designed with versatility in mind and hosts a broad range of events with ease. From cultural programs and festivals to weddings, private functions and exclusive product launches, Machine Hall serves as a blank canvas limited only by the bounds of imagination. Machine Hall is dedicated to supporting the arts and cultural sectors by offering free and subsidised venue hire to aspiring artists, creatives and innovators throughout the year.
The seven-storey Shelley Warehouse was constructed 1909 with the adaptive reused of Sub Station No. 164 completed in 2021. Machine Hall opened to the public in 2023.
ArchitectArchitect: fjcstudio
Client: Built / Nuveen
AwardsAIDA Australian Interior Design Award – Sustainability Advancement: Built / fjmt, 2022
UDIA NSW Crown Group – Awards for Excellence Adaptive Reuse Award, 2022
The Urban Developer Awards for Industry Excellence – Development of the Year – Commercial, 2021
The Urban Developer Awards for Industry Excellence – Development of the Year – Urban Regeneration, 2021
The Urban Developer Awards for Industry Excellence – Excellence in Design Innovation, 2021
Master Builders Association of NSW – Excellence in State Awards: Adaptive Reuse, 2021
MBA NSW – Excellence in Construction Awards: Best Use of Steel – Built – Samaras Group, 2021
Find out more about this building here
Machine Hall and Sub Station No. 164
185 Clarence Street, Sydney
Entry details
Substation lobby, Machine Hall and Speakeasy
10am–5pm
4.30pm
Need to Know
Accessible featuresAccessible access via Clarence Street
Accessible toilets are available hereToilets availableToilets available at the lobby
Photography allowed
