Episode 11 of Onsite with Infinity goes behind the scenes of a significant heritage construction project in Surry Hills—the future home of Canva's flagship HQ.
Senior Design Manager Peter Schmith explains how we're transforming a 50+-year-old structure into a high-performance workplace while preserving its character and streetscape value.
Making heritage buildings work like new
Heritage sites demand precise temporary works and sequencing. We introduced a staged steel support system to stabilise the retained structure while the centre was removed and rebuilt. Our approach prioritised safety, access, and neighbour amenity without compromising the program.
Façade retention and structural reinforcement
The retained façade anchors the building's identity. Behind it, new structure and services deliver contemporary spans, vertical connections, and performance. Early buildability reviews and site verifications helped the team resolve unknowns typical of older assets.
Sustainability and whole-of-life performance
Keeping the good fabric reduces demolition waste and embodied emissions; new high-efficiency systems lower operational costs over time. We specify durable finishes for low maintenance and long lifecycle value—critical for commercial tenants with evolving workplace needs.
Working in a heritage context—without compromise
Sydney heritage settings impose controls on façades, setbacks, acoustics, and streetscapes. Our playbook is simple: engage early, test options quickly, and document clearly with stakeholders.
The outcome is a building that feels authentically Surry Hills while meeting modern compliance and comfort standards.
