Image Credit : Photography by: Young & Percival
https://www.youngandpercival.com.au/
Project Overview
541 St Kilda Road offers over 8000 square meters of office space across 6 levels. Evoke Projects were engaged to undertake Design and Construction works to certain areas of the building to provide a more modern environment and facilities for tenants.
The works consisted of aesthetic changes to the external building façade, landscaping and materials along with a lobby upgrade and newly built end of trip facilities.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Jerry Kennard - CEO
Rebecca Reid - Creative & Design Director
Shane Holth - Head of Client Experience
Luke Luffman - Project Manager
Greg Gough - Site Manager
James Burke - Estimator
Project Brief
A cosmetic uplift to the lobby finishes and furnishings creates a space that enhances the overall experience upon entry to the building. Bold black features contrasted with white and warm timbers modernise the overall look and feel. Timber features and plant life where introduced into the design to soften the area and introduce elements of nature to support mental wellbeing. The incorporation of informal collaborative booths results in a welcoming space for users to enjoy.
Repainting and re-tiling of the external surfaces of the building provided a clean canvas for additional features to the external environment and facade. A variety of seating areas were also provided for guests and staff visiting the café.
Whether tenants cycle to work or go to the gym at lunch the newly provided end of trip facilities provides building occupants with all that is required to be active during their day. The facilities include additional bike storage, showers, change amenities and lockers as well as a tyre pump and hydration station for those that ride bikes. The change rooms are fully equipped with ironing stations, drying cupboards, hair dryers, hair straighteners and a complimentary towel service.
Wayfinding throughout the car park from the back entrance creates a clear directional path through to existing and additional bike racks, toilets, showers and the lobby entry.
Project Innovation/Need
The intent of the proposed design elements and construction works for the project was to provide tenants and visitors with a physical environment that supports these key objectives:
- Improve Occupier Experience with aesthetic upgrades to common areas and by improving the flow throughout the building with directional signage and effective wayfinding design
- Support Wellbeing through creation of modern facilities that encourage tenants to lead an active lifestyle outside of work
- Create a sense of community by introducing a variety of communal areas that encourage collaboration and interaction with coworkers and visiting guests
Bringing the aesthetics of the building up to date and providing these modern facilities helps to attract and retain tenants and provide them a place they enjoy coming to each day.
Design Challenge
As the End of Trip Facilities were to be a newly built structure within the existing ground floor carpark, there was a challenge with the location and sizing of these facilities. The overall footprint needed to accommodate an appropriate number of showers, lockers and bike racks whilst still maintaining enough car spaces within the building.
There was also some limitations with plumbing access due to existing structural beams. Another important factor was to ensure there was a clear path of travel to the facilities and bike racks from the external access into the carpark.
Sustainability
Taking sustainability into consideration, natural timbers and plants were used throughout the design. Biophilic elements were also used to incorporate elements of wellness into the design and support occupant wellbeing.
Polytec product was used for cabinetry and joinery. Polytec manages waste responsibly through numerous recycling programs within their business:
New tiling to the lobby and End of Trip facilities where supplied by Earp Brothers. The specified product has been independently certified by Global GreenTag Australia, achieving GreenRate Level A and LCARate Gold Plus. The product is 100% free of VOC's and toxic chemicals, has 69% less impacts on global biodiversity and uses 59% less raw material, water and energy to produce.
Interior Design - 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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