Asia & The Gulf Commercial Design Trends Asia Commercial Design Vol. 30/9 | Page 14

introducing a whole new way of working that would
be significant cultural change for the company.
Employees would have the freedom to work wherever they wanted, depending on their needs at any
particular time – this office model recognises that
one size doesn’t fit all.”
Architect Abbie Galvin of BVN Donovan Hill
Architecture says the new building provided a large
floorplate over two levels that allowed for flexible
planning to accommodate the required elements.
There were also large windows to bring in natural
light to most areas.
“Charter Hall proposed a collaborative floor on
the upper level and a focus floor on the lower level,
with some crossover,” Galvin says. “We introduced
a new generous stairway to physically and visually
link the floors and to provide transparency and
connection throughout the office.
“Essentially, we removed two structural bays and
wrapped the soffits at the edges of the void with
mirror panels. These reflect the parts of the office
you can’t see. We also added mirror panels to the
ceiling, almost like a series of frescoes. These reference the company logo and give the entire space a
little sparkle, creating an uplifting environment.”
Creating a warm, welcoming office was crucial,
for employees and visitors. Everyone entering the
office arrives at the upper level where there is a
concierge, not a reception desk.

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“The traditional barriers have been removed,”
says Galvin. “When you come into the office, you
are not confronted with a guard house – instead
you immediately feel part of the Charter Hall hub.
And the whole office is on view, and activated, so it
is a very dynamic environment.”
This animation is enhanced by a clear glass box
accommodating a meeting room that appears
suspended above the void. The team calls this
The Lookout.
Another active part of the office is an elevated
timber platform that runs the length of the building
beside the windows. This is a collaborative area
known as The Deck, where staff can meet and
connect both formally and informally. The tables
can be grouped or moved aside to create a large
space for social gatherings. Because the platform is
stepped up from the main office, it retains a sense
of separation without being cut off from the rest of
the interior.
“This is very much a town hall space,” Southon
says. “It is used for our regular big breakfasts and
drinks on a Friday, and it can be used for client
events. It enhances the transparency of our
business for our customers and stakeholders.”
The lower floor presents a raft of different work
environments, with employees able to sit or stand
at workstations, sit at a table, in a lounge chair or
in a lab space where the chairs are high and the

Below:A raised timber platform,
called The Deck, creates a
collaborative zone that can
be used for social events and
informal meetings.
Right:The Deck runs the length
of the office beside the windows,
ensuring the natural light and
views are maximised.