Former West’s Furniture Showroom
Former West’s Furniture Showroom
Client:
Riddel Architecture
Location:
Fortitude Valley, Queensland
Traditional Custodians of the Land:
Yuggera and Turrbal people
Floor Area:
344 sqm
Completion:
2010
Contact Person:
David Gole
The national award-winning reconstruction of the former West’s Furniture Showroom has revitalised one of Brisbane’s most significant examples of early modern architecture. Designed in 1953 by renowned architect, Karl Langer, West’s Furniture Showroom was an influential landmark of modern design in its day. Over time, Langer’s original design was lost – stripped away and hidden beneath layers of detrimental commercial infrastructure. The restoration of Langer’s design involved rigorous research and uncovering, guided by the archived architectural drawings and the building’s original owner, Laurie West. The serpentine shaped pond, which had been filled with concrete, was carefully excavated, and skylights that had been covered over, once again revealed. The striking slanted glass shopfront window and adjacent stone wall were reinstated, while new services added to create a viable contemporary commercial space. After embarking on the restoration, the building became home to Riddel Architecture before the practice merged with Conrad Gargett. Fittingly, this significant piece of local architecture is now the new headquarters of the Australian Institute of Architects’ Queensland Chapter.
“The architects have helped to demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of preservation over new build. This is not a museum frozen in time. The spirit is faithfully captured; details restored with rigour, energy, affection and wit; and the building revitalized as viable commercial premises now housing the architects themselves.”
– Australian Institute of Architects, National Awards Jury.
Client:
Riddel Architecture
Location:
Fortitude Valley, Queensland
Traditional Custodians of the Land:
Yuggera and Turrbal people
Floor Area:
344 sqm
Completion:
2010
Contact Person:
David Gole
Awards
AIA National Heritage Award, 2010
National Trust of Queensland Governor’s Heritage Gold Award, 2009
Key People
David Gole
Principal
Sector Leader Heritage
Brisbane
Canberra
