180 Bank St, Melbourne

Commercial
Where heritage meets innovation—The Butter Factory’s centrepiece staircase brings industrial elegance to a revitalised South Melbourne icon.

The blackened steel staircase at 180 Bank Street, South Melbourne, forms a striking centrepiece within the revitalised heritage building, honouring its industrial roots. Once home to the Melbourne Butter Supply factory, the site has been thoughtfully transformed into premium-grade office space by WMK Architects. Their approach carefully preserved key original features—exposed brickwork and steelwork, timber floors, and polished concrete—while introducing a full-height atrium and expansive skylight to flood the space with natural light.

Within this atrium, the staircase by Asentis anchors the design. Crafted from plate steel balustrades and finished with a specialty wax coating, the stair exudes character and depth through its evolving natural patina. Solid timber treads soften the industrial feel, offering warmth and contrast. Fabricated in full at Asentis’ facility, the stair was craned into position onsite, where final detailing completed the installation.

Delivered by Renascent, the project successfully blends heritage charm with modern functionality. Located just off Clarendon Street, The Butter Factory offers a distinctive and connected workplace for Melbourne’s thriving creative and technology sectors. With its layered history, architectural integrity and premium amenities, it stands as a standout commercial destination in South Melbourne.

Tags

  • Staircase
  • Balustrade
  • Steel
  • Heritage

Overview

Architect. WMK Architecture
Builder. Renascent
Client. Undisclosed
Location. Melbourne

Scope

Balustrade
Delivery and installation of structural steel feature stairs
Detailed design
Engineering
Exposed soffits
Fabrication
Handrails
Stair finishes including blackened steel
Tactile indicators
Timber stair tread
Void & bridge glazed balustrades

Credits

Photography. Jonathan McFeat

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