06 / Journal

Citadel is a project that will capture your heart. A modern and visionary take on a heritage Salvation Army building, beautifully transformed into a place to cater for creative individuals. Rich in history and design, this multi-use space is a standout project that will bring numerous people together to share and commune in this creative hub.

We were lucky to chat with the Principal Interior Designer and Creative Director of Hunt & Design, Mary Ann Schmidt about the project. Read more to hear what inspired Citadel Project and get the inside scoop on how it all came together.

What inspired the direction & design of Citadel Project?

The project was largely inspired by the existing heritage bones along with our client’s noteworthy style. Lovers of art and antiques, we restored many of our clients’ original pieces breathing in new life and merging the old into new.

Modern heritage - an important concept celebrated throughout the home by reinstating existing architectural features. Custom designed steel doors in the hallway mirror the arch curves in the front façade, the beams in the living + kitchen space were installed specifically to match the original heritage trusses in the bedrooms and the existing brickwork kept exposed throughout gently narrating the buildings story. 

Can you tell us about some of the key materials or bespoke fixtures used that make the project a stand out?

Mixed metals play a key role throughout this project, specifically aged brass and blackened steel. The feature Viola Calacutta marble speaks to the colours of the existing brickwork throughout the entire home. We craned in through the terrace and over the home a custom six-metre concrete island bench and fireplace plinth which contrast beautifully to the black glossy timber floors that run into the open plan living. This material mix leans into the raw industrial vibe we were aiming for.

In the hallway we custom-poured terrazzo with brass inlay borders to create an obvious transition between the communal spaces and the private bedroom wing. Our in-house artisans designed custom pendants that hang over the island and blackened the steel to give an aged lived-in finish. Each material and moment within the home was carefully considered at every stage, speaking volumes to the overall story of the build.

What was the overall driving ‘aesthetic’ and design inspiration of the project?

Can you expand on the concept behind blending a commercial and residential space?

We were inspired by the history of the building and crafted a design that paid homage to the heritage features but leaned into the modern and industrial elements. Both residential and commercial spaces feature the client’s extensive private art collection showcased throughout, giving the project a “New-York-loft meets industrial-glamour” edge. When designing it was important to factor that not only does Citadel serve as a communal creative hub it is also our clients family home. Through strategic planning we achieved a harmonious balance between public and private spaces with the ability for each room to cater creatives across all industries from film videography to yoga classes.  

What drove you to choosing Lo & Co hardware for the project and, in your opinion, how does it meet the design style that you envisioned?

Through the diverse range and expertise Lo & Co offered, The Citadel has been dressed with durable, sustainable, robust and elegantly designed handles. We adored the aged brass finish, as it tied in perfectly with the overall aesthetic of the home and spoke beautifully to our other customised hardware and lighting elements. We were able to utilise a variety of handles for doors, showers, and joinery yet maintain the same finish – which is no easy feat!

We were seeking a handle that was robust but elegantly designed. Knowing that these handles were crafted with longevity in mind brought a sense of assurance, aligning seamlessly with our desire for timeless elegance within The Citadel's design.

How did you tackle working within the building restraints and existing walls and floors?

Did you find it a challenge to modernise while working with the existing heritage bones of the space?

As much as possible we worked with the quirks of the building and were lucky enough to have great bones to work with. We truly embraced the opportunity to work with the existing heritage elements of the building and highlighted these cherished features at every opportunity. The exposed brick for example, is an original structural element that we intentionally chose to feature across both the residential and commercial spaces. As we were unable to replace the roof, we restored the existing support beams and mirrored these where possible throughout the entire site.

Working with these architectural features very much informed the overall design intent, as we continually leaned into how these details could create a space that was entirely unique. The synergy between the historical elements and contemporary design was paramount in our approach. From intricately restoring ornate mouldings to restoring heirloom furniture, every decision was a deliberate homage to the building's past, ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come. With complete creative freedom we were able to push the design to dizzyingly new heights which was an exciting ride to be a part of.