Designer: BVN Architecture
Builder: Peloton Construction
Photographer: Pixel Collective
Overview
Step into a world where innovation meets sustainability at the remarkable transformation of this new Darlinghurst workplace.
The building, originally erected as a brick warehouse in the 1920s, has undergone a series of metamorphoses over the years, housing various commercial offices with temporary interiors that have left their mark on the structure. However, the latest transformation has breathed new life into the aged edifice, peeling back the layers of time to reveal the building’s bold and simple architectural essence.
In line with an environmentally and economically conscious brief, the design team opted for a top storey addition constructed from cross-laminated timber, a sustainable and versatile building material. Moreover, they chose to retain the building’s exterior shell, honouring its historic character and maintaining its familiar façade on the bustling street.
The crowning jewel of the design is the staircase by Active Metal, which plays a pivotal role in tying together the three-storey workplace. Strategically positioned in a full-height void that penetrates the building’s core, the staircase acts as a central hub for interaction, communication, and movement. The design team astutely utilised a skylight within the void to bathe the entire space in natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that enhances the employees’ overall well-being.
Beyond its practical function of connecting different levels, the staircase becomes a catalyst for creativity and collaboration. Encouraging spontaneous interactions, team members now find themselves engaging in casual conversations on the open stair or holding impromptu meetings overlooking the void from a communal breakout space. This newfound sense of connectivity not only fosters a strong company culture but also enhances overall productivity.
The staircase’s design itself is a seamless amalgamation of old and new. Perforated metal balustrades, characteristic of modern aesthetics, interplay with the raw concrete and masonry of the original structure, visually representing the building’s narrative – a journey from warehouse to a sustainable workplace.
As the stair ascends, the material palette transitions, embracing a tree-house atmosphere on the top floor. Cross-laminated timber columns and pine batten ceilings create a warm and welcoming ambiance, encouraging a sense of comfort and tranquility. This design choice further reinforces the harmonious integration of nature-inspired elements with the industrial heritage of the building.
Adding a touch of artistry and culture to the workspace, a mesmerising sculptural installation called “Spinner Forest” by renowned American artist Nick Cave cascades from the skylight in the void. Comprising 480 kinetic spinners, each with its unique form and character, the installation comes together to represent and reflect the vibrant company culture.
Throughout the workplace, hints of the company’s vibrant culture and playful spirit can be found, thanks to the careful use of colour, material selection, and strategically placed props.
By injecting fun and humour into the architecture, the workplace transcends the traditional notion of a formal, purely functional office and becomes an extension of home – a neighbourhood-like environment where employees feel at ease and inspired.
