When an office space is designed to suit the flow and nature of the work it supports, staff interaction and collaboration can thrive. This is what the new GHD office embodies; designed to unite a growing team of engineers and architects as well as fulfil the brand’s commitment to sustainable design.
Located in a heritage-listed quarry, the concept for the GHD fit-out involved an equitable design approach. Meeting and conference rooms are located to the rear of the building, justified by the fact that they’re used less frequently. Breakout spaces – like the kitchen and informal meeting spaces – exist at the edges, adjacent to the quarry face. The Abak Environments Workstations and screens – with ergonomic Mirra chairs – are oriented towards the quarry face beneath a large skylight designed to maximise daylight (it’s the only form of natural light in the space).
Sustainability is a crucial part of the design as evidenced in various aspects of the fit-out. There are Greenstar indoor environment quality targets for lighting and thermal comfort, indoor air quality, internal noise levels and air pollutants. In the reception, meeting rooms and offices, Eco panel wall cladding was specifically selected for its 100% recycled PET plastics, fixed to facilitate recycling of the product in the future. The joinery materials, paints, stains and adhesives all have a low volatile organic compound (VOC) content, plus energy-efficient lights that mimic daylight are installed throughout.
Fieldnotes:
- The Salamanca quarry face inspired the layout of the Fitout and the joinery shelving pattern.
- The subdued and calming colours used for the Fitout were derived from the organic quarry face and form.
- The necessity for recycling PET plastic waste encouraged the use of Echopanel, which is formed using 100% PET plastic materials.
Photography by Alice Bennett.
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GHD Fitout
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Biotope Architecture and Interiors
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We adopt a holistic approach to designing buildings. From homes with minimal impact on the ecology of a site and discreet additions that complement existing structures to bespoke interiors crafted through collaborations with local makers. Our designs focus on context and seek to enhance the connection to the site through carefully considered spatial composition.
We look to both the immediate and broader landscapes for cues on how to preserve, regenerate and create a natural environment setting for each of our projects. It’s why we often introduce building elements, like courtyards and skylights, for example, to connect to the external environment and surrounding skyscapes. We also use passive solar design principles to reduce costs and be kinder to the Earth.
When life changes we often need to alter or expand the spaces we occupy. Whether that’s an extension to the family home for entertaining or an environmentally conscious workspace in a heritage-listed property. We design to retain and work with as much of the original heritage fabric as possible while transforming the building into a space that fits your current and future needs.
We take the location of a building and its distinctive setting seriously. These design principles grew out of the need to create an architectural language and expression that keeps with current thinking and the need for sustainable, environmentally sensitive buildings. Flora, fauna, the weather, the urban context and site history all play a significant part in informing design practice so that structures are unobtrusive elements on the landscape. Local materials and craftsmen are resourced and their bespoke elements reference the site and the environment in which a building will stand.
As the anchor for our clients, consultancy team, builders and makers, collaboration is key to the realisation of every project. Get in touch with us to start a conversation about your next project.
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