This structural steel feature staircase in Melbourne forms the centrepiece of a financial services company’s new open-plan offices. Lit by giant skylights above it, the design creates open and playful spaces for meetings.
The financial services company is an Australian stock transfer company that provides corporate trust, stock transfer and employee share plan services. The company was founded in 1978 in Melbourne to provide computer services to businesses . It has since expanded to 21 countries with over 12,000 employees around the world. The company consists of the corporate and technology function and five global business lines: Issuer Services, Employee Share Plans, Communication Services, and for overseas markets, Loan Services and Business Services. It is important to the company that the workplace is functional and practical, provides an equitable experience along with an energy and buzz.
The office is located at 452 Johnston St, Abbotsford known as Yarra Falls. Steeped in history, the company engaged the award-winning architect Hassell to reimagine this heritage building, and what a project it is. With over 7,000 square meters, the re-energised premises accomodate more than 700 staff in a modern, highly flexible and innovative workspace. It will be a place where their people will want to learn, connect and collaborate.
Visually and physically connecting the open-plan workplace is the structural steel feature staircase and architectural bridge delivered by Active Metal. The architectural bridge is a 14 meter long horizontal connection across the workplace, finished with glazed balustrades and 56 decorative stainless steel cables giving the aura of a suspension bridge, catching and reflecting the abundant natural light in the atrium. The plate steel balustrades double as the structural element of the switchback staircase design. The stair and bridge are finished with industrial style paint finishes.
If you’re looking for an iconic staircase Melbourne, you can’t go past this one.
See also Steel Plate Balustrade
Financial Services Melbourne
Client: Financial Services Melbourne
Builder: Buildcorp
Interior Design: Hassell
Photographer: Jonathan Mcfeat
Location: 452 Johnston St Abbotsford VIC 3067
Work Completed by Active Metal
Detailed design, fabrication, engineering, delivery and installation of structural steel feature stairs, balustrade & handrails, structural steel bridge with steel cladding & stainless steel feature cabling, void & bridge glazed balustrades, stair finishes including rubber, plate steel soffit linings, stair tread nosing’s, tactile indicators