Timber iQ June - July 2019 // Issue: 44 | Seite 8

NEWS Rooted in history and truth Woods Bagot recently redesigned KPMG's office in Perth, Western Australia with the design rooted in something fundamental – the earth on which the building stands. By Anna Meadows for the American Hardwood Export Council 6 JUNE / JULY 2019 // K PMG’s Bishop See office space was designed to enhance the new agile and more connected working culture of this global professional services giant, while this 10-storey building at St George’s Terrace in the city centre exists on a site of historical significance for indigenous communities. By working with indigenous activist, educator and creative force, Dr Richard Walley, the Woods Bagot team learnt the cultural meaning of the land. This particular site was designated by indigenous communities to be one of ‘no warfare’. Drawing from ‘six seasons belief’ the Woods Bagot team paid tribute to the time of the year when, at the end of the winter months, the bushland would be burnt, and new growth stimulated – a time of change and new possibilities. As the redesign signified a point of change for KPMG the working mantra for the project became ‘Regeneration for the next generation’. The palate and materials selected were inspired by the Western Australian landscape of earthy tones and ashy black and grey invoking images of blackened timber burnt from trees. A smoke graphic etched on glazing is contrasted with deep greens of the upholstery to connote new growth. A centrepiece of the project is a vast curved timber wall in the reception. Visually aligning with a spacial concept of curves and connecting circular symbols the wall, constructed in steam bent American black walnut, is a homage to the naturally carved rock faces found along the Western Australian coastline, most recognisable at Wave Rock. Spanning the full height and length of the reception, the wall The interior of KPMG’s Bishop See office in Perth. dramatically curves and subtly suggests that it has formed gradually over time. The wall was conceived and created by Perth-based designer Jack Flanagan. Given the strong core theme of the overall design of the interiors, and aware of Flanagan’s reputation for passion and care for his work, the Woods Bagot team felt confident enough to give him an open brief for a bench seat joined to the wall. Says Flanagan about the challenge, “After narrowing down the organic form of the wall, I brainstormed a number of potential manufacturing techniques including machining timber profiles to make up the overall shape. The final solution was to steam bend the timber strips onto a metal frame to allow the form to look as organic as possible.” In selecting a material, the first consideration for Flanagan was the ability of the timber to bend efficiently, which led him to choose between American white oak and American walnut. The smooth grain and deep chocolate tones that complement the core colour palate of the project meant American walnut was decided upon. Flanagan was rigorous in his testing of the capabilities of the walnut. “We had to see how far we could push the material in the steam bending process. Because every strip of walnut was steam bent and twisted to a different length and shape; we could not use supporting jigs, so we did have a number of breakages around the particularly tight curves if the grain wasn’t straight enough.” The outcome is a triumph. The flowing form of the wall and seat is both visually impactful and comfortable. The complex structure satisfyingly combines modern fixings with timber bending techniques that date back hundreds of years. www.timberiq.co.za