In Melbourne's venerated parliamentary precinct, Casselden Place at 2 Lonsdale St has undergone a captivating transformation, with the rejuvenation of its lobby and ground floor amenities.

A visually striking and inviting space that does not hold back on ornate details, this 43-floor landmark constructed in 1992, now stands as a testament to the evolution of design, particularly with employers wanting to attract staff back into the office setting. The upgraded lobby formed part of the integrated ISPT properties Spring Place precinct.

Led by the visionary architects and designers at K2LD, the lobby's redesign, unveiled in November 2023, transcends the conventional. A dynamic hub on the ground floor, intertwines flexible meeting spaces and work areas, embodying the evolving nature of contemporary workspaces. From floor to ceiling, we are reminded of the octagonal references to the outer building design.

The upgrade extends beyond visual allure to embrace biophilic design, seamlessly integrating nature into the urban environment. The verdant touch, thoughtfully interwoven with modern elements, creates a tranquil haven amidst the bustling CBD.

At the core of this aesthetic evolution are the monumental screens, crafted from Covet's Ever Art Wood aluminium, sourced from Japan. Standing at just under 8 meters, these ten towering screens boldly present an array of timber folding screens in a Japanese Byōbu style.

The screens pay homage to the linear language of the building, all while providing linear perfection, lightweight materials, concealed fixings and meeting stringent fire regulations.

According to Senior Interior Designer Marisa Hang of K2LD the design was to create an “Urban Oasis”.  The screen design added “warmth and emulated the geometrics of the building design and referenced the heritage trees in the near by Carlton Gardens” .

Marisa’s choice of colour within the Covet range was Kuri Masame due to the “warm mid tone with the added feature of a texture” Marisa said. The Ever Art Wood Kuri Masame color was selected due to its warm, matte tones and paired beautifully with accent battens in dark bronze.

The meticulous craftsmanship of the screens is a testament to Geelong-based City to Coast Architectural, renowned for their expertise in ornate commercial construction.

With a legacy in stair building, balustrading, and specialty cladding, the team brought K2LD's vision to life.

The screens, a fusion of the Covet two-piece Kabebari extrusion profiles on a background of matching 1mm sheets that were precision folded at the base and crown.

As tenants and visitors step into this reimagined space, they are greeted not just by luxury but by an immersive experience where the designers’ vision, the elegance of Japanese materials, and the precision of trades skilled in their craft converge.

Casselden’s legacy continues, not just as an office tower but as a beacon of timeless design in Melbourne's ever-evolving cityscape. 

• Cladding Range: Ever Art Wood® timber look aluminium sheet and timber look aluminium battens
• Cladding Profile: Mokuzai Timber Look Aluminium Sheets 1200x4500x1mm | Kabebari Batten Profile in 50x50, 50x100, 50x150 | Koshi hollow sections in 20x150
• Colour: Kuri Masame
• Surface texture: Raised, wood grain texture
• Fire rating test results: AS/NZ 1530.1: Aluminium deemed non-combustible AS/NZ 1530.3: Spread of flame / index: 0 AS/NZ 3837-1998: Group 1 result ASTM E84 (Class A)
• Fade Resistance: Exterior Grade: minimal fade after 10-12 years outdoor exposure
• Cladding Reflectivity: Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Kuri Masame: 20.50