Transforming a heritage-listed post office into a luxury appliance flagship

Renowned for its innovation and craftsmanship, Gaggenau has been a leading manufacturer of high-quality home appliances for over three centuries. With a strong global presence, the brand sought to expand its footprint in Australia by establishing a flagship showroom in Sydney - one that would embody the sophistication and precision that define Gaggenau.

After securing the landmark heritage-listed former post office in Surry Hills as their second Australian showroom, Gaggenau partnered with JLL’s project delivery team to bring their vision to life. The objective was clear: transform the space into a world-class showroom that seamlessly blended Gaggenau’s heritage with the vibrant character of Surry Hills.

With over 60 flagship showrooms worldwide, Gaggenau maintains strict brand guidelines and processes to ensure consistency across all locations. Typically, these projects are delivered in collaboration with the renowned German architectural firm 1zu33, responsible for preserving Gaggenau’s signature aesthetic. The Surry Hills showroom was no exception, with 1zu33 leading the design vision and JLL taking full responsibility for local project management, planning, and execution.

Managing a project of this scale required navigating multiple stakeholders, suppliers, and contractors, all while coordinating across time zones with Gaggenau’s design team in Germany. To ensure seamless execution, JLL implemented a structured project management approach, establishing clear roles, responsibilities, and timelines. Regular project and design meetings, along with monthly progress reports, kept all parties aligned and ensured timely decision-making. This proactive management was critical in maintaining approval schedules and preventing delays.

The design of Gaggenau’s Sydney flagship was inspired by both the brand’s rich heritage and the distinct character of Surry Hills. Drawing from the local hospitality scene, the showroom was divided into two zones:

• The ‘Social Hub’, featuring a showcase of Gaggenau’s product suite alongside a reception and consultation area.
• ‘The Home of Gaggenau’, an immersive space housing a fully functional chef’s kitchen, an intimate experiential zone, and an expansive courtyard.

Maintaining the integrity of the historic post office while integrating modern design elements required meticulous attention to detail. JLL leveraged its expertise in heritage refurbishments to oversee intricate installation processes and approvals, ensuring the transformation respected the building’s legacy.

One of the key challenges was sourcing materials that aligned with Gaggenau’s global standards. A critical component of the showroom’s aesthetic was a blackened steel finish, typically sourced from European suppliers. However, supply chain disruptions meant this was not a viable option. JLL’s design team worked extensively with local suppliers to develop alternative solutions that met Gaggenau’s exacting standards. Multiple sample iterations were created and sent to Germany for approval, demonstrating the team’s agility and commitment to preserving design integrity.

Precision was also paramount in integrating Gaggenau appliances within the showroom’s custom joinery. Every measurement had to be exact to the millimetre, ensuring flawless execution. JLL’s extensive network of skilled tradespeople played a crucial role in meeting these stringent requirements while keeping the project on schedule.

A defining feature of the old post office was its outdoor space, envisioned as an extension of the showroom experience. However, as is common with heritage buildings, unforeseen structural challenges arose. During excavation, it was discovered that the substrate beneath the paving was unstable, posing risks to the long-term durability of the courtyard.

JLL swiftly engaged an experienced local landscape architect to assess the issue. Additional excavation was undertaken, and a modified drainage system was installed to ensure proper soil drainage and structural stability. Once resolved, the courtyard was revitalised with a locally sourced Japanese Acer tree as its centrepiece, creating a seamless connection between the showroom’s interior and outdoor space.

The successful delivery of Gaggenau’s flagship showroom in Sydney marked a significant milestone in the brand’s Australian expansion. JLL ensured that every aspect of the project - from heritage restoration to precision engineering - aligned with Gaggenau’s commitment to design excellence while staying within budget and timeline constraints.

The result was a stunning showroom that not only showcased Gaggenau’s high-end appliances but also provided a platform for future growth in the Australian market. Reflecting on the project, Gaggenau’s team expressed their gratitude, stating that the level of commitment and service they received exceeded expectations.

By blending global standards with local expertise, JLL played a pivotal role in bringing Gaggenau’s vision to life, cementing its presence in Australia’s luxury home appliance market.