An effective building has a design that tells the story of its occupants, and the Carlton Graphic Design Studios is no exception. Situated on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD, the studios are testament to the vision and values of its owner, boutique graphic design and publishing company Publicity Works.
When Publicity Works was seeking new headquarters, it realised it could take advantage of the shift and cement its values and identity into new office premises. As a result, the brief it gave to Zen Architects warranted a building that would be representative of its brand and clientele’s focus on sustainability.
Architect in charge Laura Bulmer notes there were three main strategies implemented to meet the brief and transform the 1980s commercial building into a positive and sustainable workplace.
The first and most obvious change is the building’s new operable façade, which was installed to reduce solar heat gain and glare while providing an animated façade for a creative firm. The façade features 20 pivoting vertical fins made of SEFAR perforated metal sheet on custom structural framing by Shutterflex.
“This new façade provides adjustable shading for operational energy savings, flexibility for occupant privacy and views, and gives the building a cohesive identity and active, permeable interface,” says Bulmer.
Openable glass louvres have replaced the original impermeable fixed glass windows. Together with a new skylight, these new windows by B.T Windows allow natural ventilation and light to envelope all three levels of the renovated building and its occupants.
The second strategy involved creating spaces that would be warm and welcoming to visitors and clients. Beginning from the entrance, this consists of naturally finished timbers, such as the Stringybark shiplap boards and Cutek ‘Brown Walnut’ stain by Eco Timber that line the walls, and Blackbutt decking boards with Cutek ‘Brown Walnut’ stain, also by Eco Timber, which are used on the roof terrace.
Providing a warm counterpoint to the otherwise sparing interiors, like the raw concrete floors, walls and partitions painted in Low VOC low sheen acrylic by Dulux, these natural materials continue up the spine of the internal stair, and into the entertaining spaces on the newly added upper floor.
Supporting these warm, linked spaces are pared back interiors, which were the final strategy.
The original internal linings, ceilings and building services were removed. In their place, efficient service systems and equipment were installed, and new coverings and linings were minimised, creating a more open and less pretentious environment.
At the same time, the new systems also improved operational energy use. The HVAC system which is zoned for maximum efficiency, indoor Gas Storage Hot water unit by Rheem, and artificial lighting by ANL Lighting, Buckford, Coolon, ECC, LED, Lumasascape, OSRAM and Sonic Lighting are just some of the new additions that contribute to the sustainability of the Carlton Graphic Design Studios.
But, these three-prong strategic alterations have gone beyond creating a sustainable building – they have also added significant value to Publicity Works.
“The business has increased productivity since the relocation, and is receiving positive feedback from their clients and customers,” says Bulmer.
“Much of this can be attributed to simple yet meaningful gestures [such as] connecting occupants with natural light, fresh air and natural materials.”
Photography: Emma Cross
