Corner Shop Project by TecLED Architectural Lighting

Lighting for Adaptive Re-Use, Mixed-Use Functionality and Urban Presence

Title:: Corner Shop Project
Manufacturers and Supplier:: TecLED Architectural Lighting
Category:: Residential/; Interiors
Completed:: 2026
Photographers:: Archphoto

The Corner Shop Project reimagines an 1890s corner shop and residence in Marrickville, transforming it into a vibrant mixed-use development that honours its historic identity. Led by Mackenzie Pronk Architects in collaboration with Make Projects, the scheme carefully preserves and repairs the original masonry shell while introducing a contemporary upper-level addition, set back from the street to protect key heritage cues — including the curved corner and shopfront proportions. The result is a layered architectural response that balances character with improved density, amenity, and long-term adaptability, completed in 2026.

Lighting Design by Petra Kleegraefe from Architectural Lighting Design, reinforces this adaptive re-use approach through a considered, durable, and flexible scheme across both commercial and residential areas. Carefully curated lighting highlights the contrast between the retained masonry and warm timber finishes, while subtly defining public and private zones. Designed to support everyday function as much as atmosphere, the lighting strengthens the building’s relationship to its streetscape — positioning the Corner Shop as both a respectful restoration and a confident contemporary intervention.

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Crossroads Marrickville is the adaptive re-use of a 1890s corner shop and residence, transformed into a compact mixed-use development on a prominent inner-west corner. The project combines a ground-floor commercial tenancy, shop-top housing and a separate three-bedroom residence with sunny rear courtyards and garage/workshop access, demonstrating how a small urban site can be intensified without erasing its history.

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Led by Mackenzie Pronk Architects in collaboration with Make Projects, the design retains and repairs the original masonry shell while introducing a contemporary upper-level addition set back from the street edge. Key heritage cues—including the curved corner, parapet and shopfront proportions—remain legible, while the new work establishes a renewed architectural presence. The result is a layered response that balances heritage character with improved amenity, density and long-term flexibility.

Lighting Design by Petra Kleegraefe from Architectural Lighting Design supports the project’s broader adaptive re-use agenda: clarity, longevity, flexibility and a strong relationship to place. Across commercial and residential zones, the lighting approach reinforces distinctions between public and private realms, supports functional daily use, and enhances the material contrast between retained masonry and warm timber finishes.

Spatial and Material Performance

Within a compact footprint, the planning delivers adaptable commercial use, light-filled residential spaces, and courtyard-based living with improved ventilation and amenity. The project balances retained masonry with timber finishes, recycled elements and contemporary insertions that are clearly legible as new work—allowing the building’s history and new interventions to coexist without mimicry.

Sustainability

Crossroads Marrickville is underpinned by a holistic sustainability approach centred on adaptive re-use and long-term performance. By retaining the existing structure and incorporating initiatives such as PV solar panels, low-CO₂ Invisia concrete, recycled materials, heat-exchange ventilation and durable timber products including Accoya cladding, the project reduces embodied and operational impacts while extending the life of the original building fabric.

Project Outcome

Crossroads Marrickville is a compelling model for small-footprint urban renewal—showing how lighting, materiality and adaptive re-use can work together to create resilient, future-ready places with strong civic presence and long-term adaptability.

Awards & Recognition

2025 Sustainability Awards – Winner (Commercial Architecture – Small)
2025 Sustainability Awards – Shortlisted (Multi Residential Architecture)
2025 Inner West Built Environment Awards – Shortlisted
2025 National Timber Design Awards – Shortlisted (Fitout Commercial & Public)