An unprecedented redevelopment of Sydney CBD's oldest public building and historic coining factory

The Mint project involved a significant refurbishment and extension to the existing historic mint building. Located in the heart of the city between the Barracks and Sydney Hospital on Macquarie Street, the once vacant coining factory was transformed into a campus-like headquarters for the Historic Houses Trust.

Facilities include a grand exhibition space, flexible theatre/function space, bar, library and contemporary workplace, all created by adaptively reusing existing buildings and sensitively inserting contemporary architectural forms.

The new work required careful construction around the foundations to ensure it did not connect to the original building. The new structure is built using light steel and glass which provides a unique opening façade.

Client: Historic Houses Trust for NSW

Architect: FJMT

Builder: St Hilliers Group

Value: $12M

Completion: 2004

Sector: Government & Public, Art & Culture

Services: Heritage, TTW Advance, Structural, Facade

Awards

  • 2008 MBA – Excellence in Construction Refurbishment Award
  • 2005 AIA – Lachlan Macquarie Award for Heritage