SUPAWOOD – for when you want to create a lasting legacy.
Completed over 20 years ago, the restoration of the Gold Melting Room at The Sydney Mint remains a benchmark in adaptive reuse. This project demonstrates how thoughtful design and material selection can stand the test of time.
Part of one of Sydney’s most historically significant precincts, The Mint redevelopment was led by fjcstudio (formerly FJMT – Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp) in collaboration with Clive Lucas, Stapleton & Partners, with St Hilliers delivering the construction. The project carefully revitalised the heritage structure, transforming it into a refined and highly functional contemporary space while preserving its architectural integrity.
The broader Mint project has been recognised with multiple industry awards*, reflecting the success of its sensitive heritage restoration and contemporary intervention
Within the Gold Melting Room, SUPAWOOD played a key role in shaping what has become a landmark interior. The specification of Australian-made SUPACOUSTIC SPI/100 panels in SUPAVENEER Anegre delivered both acoustic performance and a timeless natural finish suited to the building’s historic character.
Now in its third decade of use, the SUPAWOOD ceiling continues to perform and present as intended, retaining its visual warmth and technical integrity despite years of continuous public use. This enduring quality is a testament to the value of selecting high-quality, Australian-made materials designed not just for immediate impact, but for longevity.
The project stands today as a clear example of how well-executed design and robust materials can create spaces that remain relevant, functional and visually compelling over time.
A true legacy project, the Gold Melting Room demonstrates that great interiors are not only designed – they are built to last.
The Mint restoration project has over the years received many awards including the RAIA’s Sir John Sulman Medallion for Outstanding Public Architecture and the Francis Greenway Award for Conservation simultaneously (for the first time in the Institute’s history), and the Lachlan Macquarie Award for Heritage. It was also nominated by the UK’s Building Services Journal as one of the “top 30 ground breaking buildings of the world”.
RAIA’s Sir John Sulman Medallion
RAIA Judging Jury comment…:
“The metamorphosis of the 1850s Mint from a cluster of ruinous and neglected shells to a superb ensemble of restored, adapted and invented forms and spaces… a gift to Sydney… an exemplary collaboration of minds and skills: talented design architects, gifted specialist consultants and a client with a reputation for expertise and innovation in such projects.”
Awards:
2005 – AIB – Professional Excellence Award – Commercial Construction $10M – $50M
2005 – AIB – Project of the Year – Commercial Construction $10M – $50M
2005 – MBA (NSW) – Award for Restoration ($10M – $25M)
2005 – RAIA – Lachlan Macquarie Award for Heritage
2005 – RAIA – Sir John Sulman Award for Outstanding Public Architecture
2005 – RAIA (NSW) – Greenway Award for Conservation
2005 – Illuminating Engineering Society of Australia & New Zealand (NSW) – Award of Excellence for The Mint
2005 – AIB (NSW) – Professional Excellence Award – Heritage Construction $10M – $50M
2005 – Energy Australia/National Trust Heritage Awards – Joint Winner (Conservation – Energy Management)
2005 – National Association of Women in Construction (Australia) – Stockland Award for Achievement in Design (Elizabeth Carpenter, Project Architect)
2005 – NSW Premier’s Public Sector Award – Commendation (Category: The Environment and Natural Resources for Conservation/Adaptation)
2005 – Timber Development Association – Best Use of Western Red Cedar (Highly Commended)
2006 – DIA – Interior Design Award (Public / Institutional)
2006 – Meetings & Events Australia (NSW) – Best Specialty Venue
2007 – Meetings & Events Australia – Best Specialty Venue (National)
2008 – Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (UK) – Building Services Journal – Top 30 ground breaking buildings of the world
Additional Project Information:
Products/Finishes: SUPACOUSTIC SPI/100 in SUPAVENEER Anegre
Photography: John Gollings
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