Scribe Publications – From Warehouse to Light-Filled Workplace

Transforming a 1970s open-span warehouse into a contemporary, professional home for Scribe Publications became a defining project for our practice – a celebration of creative re-use, daylight design, and sustainable thinking.

Externally, we retained much of the building’s industrial character, refreshing the façade with a crisp coat of paint and introducing a touch of personality through bright red circular bicycle racks. These subtle gestures signalled a new life for the building without erasing its past.

Inside, the change was dramatic. We effectively created a new building within the existing shell – replacing forklifts and pallet trucks with light-filled editorial spaces, meeting rooms, open-plan work areas, and an extensive archive. The fit-out also included a dining area, kitchen, and amenities, designed for comfort and connection.

Natural light was central to our design approach. The original building was almost entirely enclosed, with no windows along its sides. We introduced generous skylights and large front windows, filling the interior with daylight and allowing the mood to shift with the passing clouds. The result is a calm and private workspace that still maintains a visual link to the world outside.

Warm timbers, patterned carpet tiles, and sculptural ceilings create a welcoming, contemporary atmosphere. Thermal sealing with modern materials, re-purposing of obsolete ductwork, and the reuse of existing elements reduced waste and improved energy performance.

The outcome is a workplace that supports Scribe Publications’ creativity and collaboration while demonstrating the possibilities of reimagining older buildings through light, sustainability, and adaptive reuse.