The floating stairs at Baker McKenzie set the tone for an extraordinary fitout.
Whilst some aspects of the legal profession may rely on precedents, Baker McKenzie’s new Barangaroo offices have firmly charted a new course into the future, embracing technology and rethinking client interaction.
Forget traditional office spaces, quiet rooms and cramped meeting areas, Baker McKenzie’s “office without walls” spans three seamlessly connected floors with open offices, large function rooms and nested meeting rooms filling the space and instilling a sense of ease in clients and staff.
Each of these spaces are accessed via the stairs which are central to the design, with staff and guests encouraged to use all levels. Blending design elements used throughout the building, the cantilevered tread steel stairs appear to be floating in midair, framed by glass balustrades and illuminated handrails. Each stair is linked with a full suspended steel void bridge to complete what is truly one of the highest quality office environments in Sydney.
Creating Floating Stairs for Backer McKenzie
If you’ve seen the new floating stairs in Baker McKenzie’s new Barangaroo offices, this is how it all began.
The Illusion
McKenzie’s workplace is contemporary and futuristic in style, embracing both modern design and technology. Since his office was described as an ‘office without walls’, Active Metal created gorgeous floating stairs for a seamless connection between the ground floor to the office spaces. Appearing to be floating in mid-air, McKenzie’s new stairs are framed by glass balustrades and metallic handrails.
More on stair styles can be found at Stair Styles
Work Completed by Active Metal
Site surveys, design development, steel tenancy stairs, cantilevered treads, steel bridge framing, support frames, balustrade to bridge void, full height glass screen to stair, timber handrails, bridge soffit cladding, tactile indicators.
Architect: Hassell
Client: Baker McKenzie
Location: Tower 1, Level 46,100 Barangaroo Ave, Sydney NSW
