Crone Office 680 George Street by Crone Architects: A Creative “Warehouse in the Sky”

Crone Architects, after 25 years in their Kent Street offices, sought a transformative new home that would better reflect the collaborative and design-focused nature of their practice. Their former space, spread across three disconnected levels, lacked connectivity between staff and visiting clients.

The opportunity arose at 680 George Street, within Sydney’s World Square, in a space originally intended for an indoor lap pool and fitness center. Previously used by Ernst & Young as a mail and storage facility, the 18th-floor space had been underutilized for over a decade. Dusty floors, giant compactors, and a raw industrial character set the stage for what would become a striking architectural transformation.

A Spacious, Light-Filled Studio

Crone Architects embraced the challenge of converting 850 square meters with a 7.2-meter floor-to-ceiling height into a modern, agile workspace. The office’s fully glazed north-facing façade provides abundant natural light, creating an inspiring environment for both staff and clients. This expansive space serves as a metaphor for the firm’s cultural renewal—a visual representation of openness, collaboration, and creativity.

With a limited fit-out budget, the design focused on simplicity and functionality, allowing the architectural space itself to make a statement. Visitors stepping off the lift are immediately greeted by a double-height, light-filled interior, bypassing a conventional foyer. Industrial finishes, monochrome grey carpets, and understated oak detailing accentuate the minimalist aesthetic. Glazed meeting rooms seamlessly integrate with the working areas, maintaining visual connection throughout.

Agile and Collaborative Design

The interior has been described as a “warehouse in the sky,” capturing the essence of an industrial-inspired creative studio. A large communal lunch table anchors the space, while the boardroom is strategically positioned to one side, balancing privacy with openness. The flexible layout ensures that every staff member receives equal natural light, while maintaining the capacity for evolving work styles. The temporary-feel fit-out emphasizes adaptability, supporting the dynamic and ever-changing nature of architectural practice.

All photographs are works of Katherine Lu