Image Credit : Cheyne Toomey
Project Overview
The Commons appointed Siren Design for the fitout design of a new three level co-working space located in South Melbourne. The three level tenancy was transformed into a space where small businesses and entrepreneurs can collaborate and grow their businesses. Providing occupiers with flexibility through a variety of shared facilities, The Commons South Melbourne promotes business growth within a collaborative community and at the same time seeks to keep occupiers feeling happy, healthy and inspired.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Siren Design lead designer: Rachel Wilson
Builder: Ramvek
Project Manager: Siren Design
Services: ECM Group
Project Brief
The creative brief set the challenge of designing an office environment for businesses and individuals to collaborate and expand their businesses. Siren Design worked closely with the client to understand the types of clients The Commons wanted to attract into the space. Through this process a program that caters for a diverse range of businesses and their functional requirements was developed. Touchdown hot-desking zones, open plan dedicated work spaces, private offices of varying sizes, quiet rooms, as well as a range of formal and casual meeting spaces form a flexible work environment for all members.
Project Innovation/Need
Siren Design were inspired to design a healthy environment for living as well as for working and explored the concept of biophilia, meaning the innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. This idea has been embedded in material selections and the incorporation of indoor planting and inviting terraces. Trees have been planted throughout the space and natural light has been maximised in working spaces to provide a connection with nature. A spin cycle studio, yoga studio and cosy library promote a healthy work-life balance and provide opportunities for group activities.
The Commons pushes the boundaries of the traditional office space by providing an environment for entrepreneurs and small businesses to work together in a shared space. Communal settings including a ping pong arena, installed beer tap and arcade games encourage chance encounters and inspire a ‘work hard, play hard’ mindset within the community. Brainstorming walls, large communal tables and hotdesk in the medium traffic open plan area allow for collaboration between the variety of businesses that occupy the space.
Design Challenge
The biggest challenge for The Commons project was timing. The program was tight, so the design and documentation processes was fast-tracked to get the project moving quickly. Having The Common’s tenancy split over three level meant that the construction phase could be staged, allowing for businesses to move into one of the completed levels without the disruption of the other two levels undertaking the completion of the construction.
Sustainability
Where possible, the base building shell was utilised to avoid additional materials. In order to minimise wastage, a range of applications were found for the one material. Plywood has been used throughout the project, reducing unused offcuts. The uniform plywood cladding to the internal walls was selected for its durability which importantly has increased the life-span of the fitout. Where paint has been used, low VOC options were selected. Indoor planting including medium size trees have been planted throughout the building to physically improve air quality within the space by reducing VOC, CO2 and CO levels.
Interior Design - Corporate & Commercial
This award celebrates innovative and creative building interiors, with consideration given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes, aesthetic presentation and functionality. Consideration also given to space allocation, traffic flow, building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings and surface finishes.
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