“……….the simplicity of the stair design belies the clever use of colours and textures at Nine.”
Located in the Bates Smart designed 1 Denison St precinct, Nine’s new HQ is everything a fit-out should be. Remarkable, especially now in a post-COVID corporate world.
Consolidating all Nine’s media platforms including television, broadcasting, publications and digital media, this is a game changer for Nine. Spanning over the first 9 floors, the Bates Smart designed fit-out is the embodiment of best practice design. Collaborative and flexible working zones, co-working areas and private spaces all work together. Providing a dynamic and yet adaptable work space experience is key. To quote Bates Smart, “the floorplate maximises connectivity, encouraging communication and collaboration……..the hallmarks of optimum contemporary workplaces”.
Further underscoring the collaborative nature of the fit-out design are the stairs. Working with the designers and the fit-out builder Buildcorp, Active Metal were engaged to fully develop the stair design. Target? Fulfilling both the aesthetic intent and satisfying the budget expectations. Linking the fit-out across all of the levels, the interconnecting stair design completely fosters the collaborative intent. Staff can now freely interact throughout the entire tenancy without setting foot in an elevator. In the new-normal of a post-COVID world, this is forward thinking at it’s best. Also reducing the impact on the planet, the stairs at Nine have the potential to reduce elevator use during the day by at least 50%. Over the term of the lease, this represents a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
Although a monochrome palette, these stairs are still remarkable. Design details like the curved glass to the void corners are a nod to an art-deco aesthetic. Lime-washed timber handrails complement the flooring selection. From above the stairways are simply beautiful. Remarkable also is the extent to which the stairs resemble the original renders produced by the team. All in all, a workplace built for the future for an iconic client.
Helpful links – Timber Handrails
Project Details
Architect: Bates Smart
Client: Nine
Builder: Buildcorp
Photographer: Brendan Read
Location: 1 Denison St, North Sydney
Work Completed by Active Metal
Design development, feature stair structures, stair & void glass balustrades, stair tread linings, timber handrails, paint finishes, nosings & tactile indicators
