Foolscap Studio have redesigned ANZ’s heritage-listed Gothic Bank to incorporate a specialist hub and banking museum. The Gothic Revival bank built in 1887 is Australia’s most notable example of a secular building in this style. The restoration and design celebrates intricate craftsmanship, shares ANZ’s history, and creates a forward-thinking space optimised for customers’ changing needs.

Foolscap Studio were innovative in their sympathetic yet progressive approach; seamlessly integrating modern amenities to better activate the space while showcasing the interior’s existing history and meeting strict security necessities. Foolscap removed the under-utilised teller counters to reinstate the bank’s original footprint and repurposed this cabinetry to create joinery pieces used throughout the branch and museum. Touchscreens were incorporated into these showcase cabinets to present interactive multimedia content while also displaying physical artefacts within the same unit. Motorised hydraulic lift mechanisms were also incorporated into these units to raise the 1.7m2 glass hoods and reveal artefacts displayed on top of plinths.

The floorplan’s reconfiguration also allowed the uncovering and restoration of the foyer’s original mosaic tiles – 35% of which were refurbished or replicated using traditional techniques – and optimised access to view the original 110m2 glass skylight. Further restoration included the reinstatement of 23 karat gold leaf stencilling on columns.

The museum’s custom joinery pieces were functionally designed to be used flexibly as a family, with the plinths’ ability to be reconfigured in multiple ways to facilitate temporary exhibition displays. These were also designed for disassembly to make way for large-scale events. Specific documentation of split batten fixings rather than glue was included on all joinery to ensure circular design for disassembly.

Further melding the existing fabric with new design elements, Foolscap took graphic cues from the ceiling’s Japanese wallpaper and applied these motifs in the new carpet. Innovative technology such as transparent LED film was creatively utilised to conceal a meeting pod with video content.

To continue the bank’s history of employing local craftspeople, Foolscap Studio collaborated with furniture-maker Hugh McCarthy and glass artist Liam Fleming to create bespoke pieces for the space. These considerate contemporary elements complement the architecture’s history while recognising the next generation of craftspeople.

This project is inherently sustainable in its optimisation of existing yet under-utlised spaces, materials, and furniture. As well as the repurposed counters, a considerable amount of existing furniture from the client’s storage was used – including 20 year old Cassina cab chairs. Where new furniture was necessary, Melbourne-based manufacturers were selected to support local industry while ensuring low transportation emissions and strong supplier accountability.