The Foundry

Originally built in 1883 as a boot factory for McMurtrie, Kellermann & Co and later converted to a gas meter manufacturing works for Parkinson and Cowan, this former factory building represents the industrial development of Darlington from the later nineteenth century to the mid twentieth century.

Now converted to a mix use development known as The Foundry, we were approached by Green Resourcing Group to update a tired ground floor office fit-out to something that better celebrated the beautiful existing industrial structure and future-proofed the space for the client’s growing recruitment business.

Constrained by the existing heritage structure which could not be modified, we conceived three distinct insertions that would build on the rich existing material palette of natural materials. First, we installed a terrazzo floor with a unique aggregate composition – like excavated sedimentary rock -  emphasising the office’s unusual positioning four steps below street level. Second, a new spotted gum timber armature was used to create a landing that would reorientate visitors toward the meeting space, create a waiting area, and providing much needed storage. Last, a green timber ‘box’ houses an outward facing kitchenette and a concealed bathroom.

Client: Green Resourcing Group
Joiner: Romacraft