Yirranma Place

Originally designed as a private residence, SJB collaborated with Cornerstone Property to transform this cherished local heritage structure into boutique offices through adaptive reuse. The enhancements involve a two-storey extension to the eastern wing, the addition of a new rooftop terrace, and the incorporation of an attic area.

Transformed into the award winning Yirranma Place, the precinct currently serves as the headquarters for the Paul Ramsay Foundation, embodying the enduring legacy of the Ramsay Health founder—a philanthropic figure dedicated to supporting Australian charities aimed at disrupting cycles of disadvantage. The structure has been thoughtfully repurposed to provide adaptable spaces catering to a variety of functions, including galleries, event spaces, meeting rooms, and incubator hubs. Emphasising accessibility and diversity, the building is designed to welcome a diverse range of patrons.

The Gallery space required a versatile lighting system, but the challenge was the inability to suspend or surface mount lights from the ceiling. Collaborating with SJB, Euroluce developed a mounting detail for the Tracking Magnet profile, positioning it on top the art walls. The Wallee Module emerged as an ideal solution, drawing inspiration from classic art lights. This module fits seamlessly into the profile, extending from the wall to cast light back onto the artworks. The Tracking Magnet profile offers unparalleled flexibility along the wall, allowing modules to be placed at any point within the profile itself.

In the meeting rooms, we installed the Light Shadow Dots, a Ø30mm pinhole downlight within the curved ceiling to provide subtle yet effective illumination. These lights seamlessly blend into the architecture, almost disappearing when not in use.

In the cafe, our aim was to infuse some drama to accentuate the sculpture suspended above the area. Here we used the Reggiani Yori evo 48v and incorporating Yori Ghostrack Spotlights equipped with Barndoor accessories, we achieved a theatrical lighting effect that played through the sculpture, casting captivating shadows across all four walls.

Every other space is elevated through the incorporation of decorative lighting tailored to complement each distinct environment. This includes the FLOS Chiara floor lamp in a breakout area, the FLOS Taccia in the cafe, and the Yamagiwa Taliesin adorning the desks in one of the offices.

Gentle renovations embody a core principle of recognising and honouring historical forms, creating a series of elegant spaces within the existing structure. New additions are sculpted with a balance of strength and reverence for the heritage fabric. Taking inspiration from the architectural style of Carlo Scarpa, renowned for seamlessly integrating old and new in spiritual spaces, the design incorporates contemporary solid finishes and forms with a timeless aesthetic. A striking new public art commission by Barkandji Elder, artist, and activist Uncle Badger Bates, welcomes visitors at the iron gate entry to the southeast portico.

The newly designed spaces prioritise future adaptability, fostering flexibility, while the open design ensures unobstructed sightlines, enabling ample natural light to reach the depths of the new floor plates. The incorporation of durable materials, including stone, timber, and metal, ensures the longevity of the structure well into the future. This grand 1920s building has been thoughtfully renovated to stand resilient and accommodate occupants for another century.