The project retains and refurbishes the existing concrete structure, reinforcing it to support a new residential tower above. This approach allows the building to be adapted for a new generation of use while reducing unnecessary demolition and making better use of the site’s existing structural capacity.

Through careful strengthening and extension, the proposal balances the practical requirements of adaptive reuse with the ambition to deliver new housing in a well-connected urban location. The lower levels are proposed to be revitalised as modern office spaces, contributing to the ongoing commercial life of Raw Square and supporting activity at street level.

A Connected Mixed-Use Development

The lower levels of the building are proposed to be revitalised as modern office spaces, contributing to the ongoing commercial life of Raw Square and supporting activity at street level. Designed with flexible leasing opportunities and adaptable floorplates, the offices can support a range of contemporary workplace uses and configurations.

Located in a well-connected area close to Strathfield Train Station, the project supports convenient commuting for workers, residents and visitors. This accessibility strengthens the proposal’s role as a mixed-use development that brings employment and housing together in a highly serviced urban location.

Above, the new residential tower will provide approximately 200 new apartments through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority process. The apartments are planned to support modern living, with efficient layouts, access to natural light and a focus on comfort, functionality and long-term liveability. By combining workplace and housing within a single development, the project supports a more diverse and active urban environment while responding directly to the current housing crisis.

The architectural expression of the proposal is informed by the surrounding brick context of Strathfield. Warm red tones are drawn from the existing urban fabric and reinterpreted through a contemporary façade treatment. This material approach allows the new tower to establish its own identity while remaining grounded in the character of its setting. The result is a building that feels both modern and connected to place.

2 Raw Square demonstrates the potential of adaptive reuse to unlock new housing opportunities on underutilised sites. By retaining, strengthening and extending the existing building, the project provides a pathway for renewal that is responsive to both environmental and social needs.

The proposal transforms a building in poor condition into a mixed-use development that supports employment, housing and urban renewal, delivering approximately 200 new homes while contributing positively to the future of Strathfield.

At Lockhart-Krause Architects, we specialise in unlocking the potential of complex and underutilised sites. By combining considered design with a detailed understanding of current planning policy, we work to identify opportunities that deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients, communities and the built environment. To learn more about our approach or discuss a future project, contact Lockhart-Krause Architects on (02) 9427 3847.