A colonial past meets modern industrial is the best way to describe the fusion of old and new for the
Laing & Simmons shop fit out in Port Macquarie. Joyce Constructions were asked to complete this fit out
as their build for Clarence House was ending. Port Macquarie has a history steeped in a convict past as is
evident just two doors down in the old Historical Society’s brick buildings. Convicts from the Port
Macquarie Penal Settlement had to make all materials used to build the used to make bricks and each
convict had their own brand used to identify its maker.
Joyce Constructions worked closely with Collins W Collins to bring the eclectic feel of old and new alive
even incorporating convict materials such as bricks used for the infill of the brick arch wall features and
the ballast rocks from the ships of the day used in the base of the reception desk. These were all from
the excavation of the building restored and reused. With a clever use of ceiling features and lighting
along with clean glass lines has bought forward a warm and inviting office environment. Timber look
tiles and solid timber feature screens add a certain warmth to the surrounds while keeping a practical
low maintenance functionality.
