The IXL Development was an architectural renewal project undertaken by Morris-Nunn and Associates to revive the IXL heritage buildings on Hunter Street. They successfully converted the unused warehouses into a vibrant cultural hub, containing a restaurant, cafe, and bar that bustle with life. Underneath the large glass roof and surrounded by historic walls of sandstone, is a central atrium, which is used for restaurant dining, as well as corporate and arts functions. In 2005, the IXL Development received the Environmental Design Award, Heritage Architecture Award, Interior Architecture Award, Public Buildings Award, and the National Jury Award. In 2007, this building was awarded the John Lee Archer Triennial Prize, and in 2008, the Henry Hunter Triennial Prize, highlighting its national recognition for adaptive reuse and sustainable design. This adaptive reuse approach means the original qualities of the warehouses were retained, while innovative technologies were utilised to passively heat and cool the interior. Overall, Morris-Nunn and Associates have achieved a beautiful combination and balance between the historic architecture, and the lightweight, engineered qualities of the glass roof addition.



