Located in Bondi Junction next to Waverley Library, the Boot Factory building is steeped in local history, having been constructed between 1890 and 1915 by William Sidaway and Son, who began to produce footwear in Bondi Junction around 1887.

The building consists of three storeys of face brick with rendered pilasters and string courses, multi-paned double-hung timber windows and a simple moulded parapet bearing the signage “Boot Factory”. Waverley Council acquired the building in 1984, and it was re-opened in 1986 as part of the “Mill Hill Community Centre” after undergoing conservation works.

Previously, The Boot Factory was a base for various community services and organisations, including the Inventors Association of Australia. The building has been vacant since 2007 due to concerns regarding its dilapidated condition, with numerous studies commissioned to evaluate the condition and remedial options for the building.

Archer Office is the lead consultant for the design and adaptive reuse of this heritage-listed building, which will transform into a commercial space with mixed-mode air-conditioning and natural ventilation. Working in close consultation with the Heritage Architect, the sustainability response is tailored to respect the heritage fabric by incorporating additional measures into the building services design and fabric elements of the building.

The project incorporates ground-source heat pumps and high-efficiency water-cooled VRF air conditioning systems into a seamlessly integrated and highly sustainable services design.

RHCS was engaged for the geothermal project on this unique development for Waverly Council and was designed in partnership with GeoExchange Australia. The scope included 13 vertical probes extending to 125 meters, along with a complex horizontal reverse return header system and 125mm copper primary flow and return lines. This was all installed within a confined space, alongside other trades, making it one of our most rewarding projects. Despite being mobilized at the eleventh hour, we successfully delivered the system on time and within budget. The ground heat exchanger will supply energy to a large, water-cooled VRF system, providing both heating and cooling to the building.

The outcome will breathe new life into this historic building and will offer a unique commercial space to its new occupants.