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Instead of slot windows and porridge like tilt-slab walls,
BCM and CSA chose grandeur rather than ‘bland-eur’
in their quest to enliven a neglected building type.
The office/warehouse features pinwheel style glazed
fractals reminiscent of the central glazed vault in
Melbourne’s Federation Square.
The design employs a refined material and patterning
language to unify the project, inside and out. This language
is represented through the punctuated façade by a
cross-hatch of Viridian glazing, concrete and Corten
steel accents.
A particular challenge is the tension between the design
intent and functional constraints. These were overcome
through creative design-build solutions between designer
and client, such as the silicon glass panels rebated into
concrete frames without channels or framing, pushing
sheet size beyond conventional measures. Formed on the
ground slab, formwork had to be built in reverse, poured
and craned into position. The concrete is polished from the
band beams right through to the warehouse tilt-up panels,
to highlight the natural aggregates. Pushing the impact
further, channels in the concrete house are recessed
and coloured with LED strip lighting to create a stunning
effect at night.
Continuing the language of the external facade,
the light-filled double-height entrance foyer features a
suspended triple pendant, polished concrete cantilevered
staircase and the confident form of a sculptured Corian
reception desk. To the rear a slatted timber screen softens
the space visually and acoustically, concealing storage,
workshop, staff amenities and access to the warehouse.
Upstairs a generous director’s office, boardroom
and a combination of cellular and open-plan office space
promote a creative, flexible workplace.