Preserving heritage, inspiring innovation: The Barracks' modern office design

07 Jun 2023

The transformation of Brisbane's historic Barracks Building into a vibrant office space was made possible by the design skills of interior designer Charlotte Wilson from MacArthur and Co., and the creative use of Resene products. From the application of Resene wood stains on heritage walls, to the use of Resene Aquaclear for visual effects and finishes, this design showcases the versatility and quality of Resene paints, resulting in a professional and visually captivating environment.

In 1860, 61 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane, was the site of the Brisbane Petrie Terrace Gaol. 23 years later, in 1883, it became the Police Depot, and more buildings were constructed. At present,
three heritage listed buildings – the Stables (1912), the three-storeyed brick Barracks Building (1939) and the Radio Communications Centre (1941) remain on site.


Now a landmark retail and commercial precinct, it is the site of one of Brisbane’s most popular radio stations and the three-storeyed brick building known as ‘The Barracks’ houses a variety of businesses.

The third floor was chosen by a global company to accommodate up to 84 employees, who required spaces for soundproof sales and office use, small and large conferences using virtual meetings, and social and professional activities.


Charlotte Wilson of MacArthur and Co. readily accepted the opportunity to design a youthful, fun, fresh, creative and motivating office space, reflecting the company’s ethos while staying within the Barrack’s heritage listing conditions. In particular, this inspired the central placement of all built-in cabinetry and structural additions and a Resene colour palette to complement the heritage brickwork and existing paintwork.

Resene products such as Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen, Resene Aquaclear and Resene wood stains, played an integral role in the design details of this project.


Heritage requirement for the office and meeting room walls, such as minimal framing, made OSB board a viable option. This product is hard wearing and as a bonus further enhanced the other sound proofing measures taken. Without compromising the OSB board’s hardwearing property, applying Resene wood stain tinted to the shade Resene Crowshead, a traditional wood tar brown, created visual interest to the walls while also complementing the surrounding brickwork tones and existing paint colour scheme.


The design masterstroke of custom designed soundproof sales and meeting booths led to an
inspired opportunity to showcase the versatility of OSB board on the internal walls of these booths. The application of Resene Aquaclear waterborne urethane varnish created an interesting visually textural effect, kept the booths light and bright, casting an ambient light comfortable to work in, while also complementing the existing heritage timber flooring.

Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen tinted to the shade Resene Nocturnal, a deep grey black of the night, was chosen on the booths’ exterior VJ panelling as it complemented the existing paintwork colour scheme of white and was the perfect background colour for the hand-painted mural on the external back walls of the booths.

This mural, hand-painted in custom Resene paint colours to match the company’s brand colours, pops against the dark background. 

Located on the top floor in a tropical city, the design of this inner-city office space was deliberate in its inclusion of many small trees planted in oversized pots, and plants in bespoke planter boxes. Specifically designed plywood partitions coated in Resene Aquaclear waterborne urethane varnish have an upper portion which houses a TV and whiteboard. The planter boxes in the lower section are painted in Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen tinted to Resene Nocturnal. This paint tone and sheen level offsets the foliage perfectly and this tone is also used on the planter boxes against the distinctive heritage brick walls, making it easy on the eye, a visual cameo.           

A non-imposing way to define and screen the kitchen spaces, was achieved with hardwood timber battens. An enhancement of texture and satisfying glow from the natural grain of these battens was produced through the application of Resene Aquaclear waterborne urethane varnish.

The unique and individual design aspects of this fitout have resulted in a welcoming place, whether as a first time visitor or as an employee. The professional finish achieved has made this a project something to be proud of for all involved.

design Charlotte Wilson MacArthur and Co.

build Salt Construction

images Hannah Redman

A deep grey black of the night, Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen tinted to the shade Resene Nocturnal, was used for this wall, allowing the shades of the mural to really pop. The mural is hand-painted in custom Resene paint colours designed to represent the shades of the company’s brand.

The depth of Resene Nocturnal is striking against the lush greenery and allows timber finished in Resene Aquaclear waterborne urethane varnish to really stand out.

A traditional wood tar brown, Resene Crowshead wood stain,creates visual interest to this meeting and conference room wall made with OSB board.

Whites and neutrals create a clean canvas for any space. In this office, the existing white allows chosen colours like Resene Nocturnal and Resene Crowshead wood stain to become focal points in the room, helping to separate the various areas in the space. Resene Aquaclear waterborne urethane varnish is used on timber features.

Timber battens stained in Resene Aquaclear waterborne urethane varnish work to separate the kitchen and eating area without blocking off the space or minimising look and feel. Resene Nocturnal painted on cabinetry grounds this room, while the white walls and ceiling, and existing heritage floor work to open the space.

The deep shade of Resene Nocturnal painted on the frame of the booths contrasts well with the OSB board used internally and the white walls. Built-in cabinetry keeps the space clean and tidy.

The OSB board finished in Resene Aquaclear clear urethane creates a visually textural effect, keeping the booths well-lit and casting an ambient light, while also complementing the existing heritage timber floors.

The combination of dark colours and brick create a visually appealing contrast due to the differences in colour and texture. The deep shade of Resene Nocturnal on planter boxes brings out the earthy red in the heritage brickwork throughout the space.

Published: 07 Jun 2023