Rethinking sustainable architecture with rebirth

Equipped with a philosophy rooted in sustainability, Aetā Studio, a forward-thinking architectural practice led by Alex Matovic, stands out for its commitment to crafting sustainable designs by “rebirthing” existing buildings over demolition.

"When people say they're sustainability architects, usually it means they are deeply involved in Green Star or Passive House or some kind of accreditation or certification scheme," Matovic explains.

"Our philosophy behind it is ‘everything should be sustainable’."

Founded in 2018, Aetā Studio doesn't confine itself to traditional architectural boundaries.

"We're registered architects in practice. But I guess we try not to make too much distinction about where architecture stops."

Indeed, Aetā Studio's portfolio spans a diverse range of projects, from commercial interiors and tertiary settings to strategic urban designs and even potential forays into product development.

Matovic's journey into architecture began at home with a profound appreciation for craftsmanship and materials. “My dad was an architect, and I couldn’t imagine being anything else; while I’m sure he would have liked me to work with him, I went off on my own path,” says Matovic.

After joining a small international practice in the United Kingdom, where he honed his skills in detail-oriented design, Matovic spent 15 years with Grimshaw, known for its pioneering sustainability initiatives.

"I lived and breathed that life; it really resonated with me,” Matovic reflects. “Grimshaw was one of the early pioneers of this approach to sustainability, and I had the opportunity to work on some significant buildings. But after a while, like most architects, you always start to see some opportunities emerging to work for yourself."

Thus, Aetā Studio was born, inheriting a commitment to sustainability and a vision for the future from Matovic's formative experiences.

Timber hoops create a work of art above.

The extensive use of timber came out of environmental ambition; so much of interior design is disposable – whereas worn timber is a graceful material.

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Project highlight: 60 Castlereagh Street, Sydney

The brief

One of Aetā Studio's most challenging projects, Castlereagh Street, exemplifies its dedication to sustainability and innovation. Confronted with an existing building in dire need of rejuvenation, Aetā Studio tackled the project zealously, supported by an equally passionate client, Dexus. The result is an award-winning transformation that meets modern standards and contributes positively to the surrounding urban fabric.

“As soon as you open up an existing building, you always find something unexpected, something challenging. Thankfully, the client believed in what we set out to achieve, and even when it was overwhelming, they were behind us, pushing us along because they wanted to see the results as well,” says Matovic.

"The building had these large lobbies on the eastern and western side that would cook in the sun; it was a common complaint, to the point you couldn’t even get a concierge to stay there. It was these practicalities that we saw in the building that drove the ideas behind the expression of it," says Matovic.

Integrating sustainable materials like timber, Aetā Studio crafted a design that addressed the functional concerns by sheltering the lobbies from the sun with timber battening while enhancing the building's aesthetic appeal. “The extensive use of timber came out of environmental ambition; so much of interior design is disposable. Timber is renewable and recyclable; worn timber is such a graceful material,” says Matovic.

“The complexity in the scale of works, the live environment, and completing the project during COVID-19 combined made it incredibly challenging. We were quite emotional once it was completed.”

Winner of the prestigious John Verge Award for Interior Architecture.

The design Integrated sustainable materials like timber.

The design makes for a more comfortable foyer.

Architectural lighting adds drama to the space.

The result

The result of Castlereagh Street is a fully leased building, a first for the client, and the prestigious John Verge Award for Interior Architecture.

"Our approach is refreshingly simple," says Matovic. "We just want a straightforward solution and believe everyone could use sustainability to make a better environment." This ethos extends beyond design principles to include a commitment to sourcing materials locally, supporting Australian suppliers and minimising environmental impact.

Matovic continues, “I think the big overarching principle is we're firm believers in Australian-made. There are so many amazing suppliers, designers and fabricators right here.”

Following impressive projects completed in Sydney and Melbourne, Aetā Studio's influence steadily grows. Yet, at its core, it remains dedicated to its founding principles of sustainability, craftsmanship and innovation.

As Matovic reflects on Aetā Studio's journey, he acknowledges the challenges ahead but remains optimistic about the future. "Sydney is where we focus, but there are enquiries and opportunities all over the place, including globally," he notes, hinting at Aetā Studio's continued expansion into new territories.

In an era often driven by short-term gains and fleeting trends, Aetā Studio prioritises sustainability and design excellence, reminding us that architecture can and should be a force for positive change in the world. With Alex Matovic at the helm, Aetā Studio is poised to shape the future of architectural design, one sustainable project at a time.

For assistance with your next project, contact Aetā Studio today on ArchiPro.