On the site of a 20th century factory – that was once the manufacturer of some of the finest edge tools – stands Kangaroo Works, a community of 365 apartments designed to embrace city living.

Positioned in the centre of Sheffield’s regeneration scheme, the homes blend life, work and play through modern apartments, communal areas, co-working spaces, a gym and a rooftop terrace.

The original factory – owned by Robert Sorby & Co. – was also known as Kangaroo Works and detailed research uncovered that in 1833, there were 59 edge tool and 74 saw makers registered in Sheffield, and of those makers, only Robert Sorby survives to this day. As such an integral figure in the city’s industrial past it became important to honour the location’s history, respectfully acknowledging its cultural significance to cement the new community into its environment. 

We refined the original Kangaroo Works branding to create a contemporary logo, one that is transformed into a striking neon sign in the building’s reception area. When designing the communal amenity spaces, our interiors team placed work by local artists side-by-side with pieces detailing products like the ‘Kangaroo Skates’.

Edge tool shapes in perforated aluminium sheets hang from the ceiling in the main entrance, painted in a powder coated RAL colour and combined with custom-built neon 'edges' by Neon Workshops. Wood turning company Woodware Repetitions continued this homage to making by handcrafting wooden door handles. 

Regenerating the past to build the future was our aim with Kangaroo Works, offering us an opportunity to create a brand and an interior that’s rooted in the story of Sheffield and the history of its location. The project was a finalist at Sheffield Design Awards 2024 and MIX Awards North 2024.