This graphic designer's studio emerged from a brief which was interpreted as turning a 'two-dimensional surface into a three-dimensional reality'. This metaphor was translated as paper that 'peels' throughout the fitout; stone featured in the cliff-like stair and entrance foyer, and the 'cut' of three-dimensional Japanese paper art refering scissors. A major challenge was delivering this significant upgrade, and bringing the existing building up to code, while working with a very low budget.
DESIGN DESCRIPTION
The existing building was separated into three tenancies spread over four levels, each with individual staircases, designed as a celebration of 1980s post modernism. Angles and curves abounded. To keep the costs down, all existing floor levels were retained, a void was opened at the entrance and a new stair was inserted connecting all levels. This stair also provided a strong visual identity and increased the visual scale of the entrance foyer.
The service strategy throughout the building was to retain and re-use wherever possible, with all new wet areas to be back-to-back over the various levels. This also minimised trenching and invasive works, and reduced the overall hydraulic costs.
The fitout is full of subtle details intended to reflect the overall concept, including front door handles which 'roll like a sheet of paper', revealing a white onyx stone inlay that glows at night. The corner wall peels are features accentuated by integrated lighting.
To address sustainability, existing walls, surfaces and glazing were all retained. The mechanical system was completely segregated, allowing zones to be turned on and off as required. The existing fabric meant that natural cross ventilation was possible as an alternative to mechanical air conditioning when the weather permitted. Reclaimed and recycled timber was specified wherever possible.
Paint and colour were used in a simple and monochromatic way, turning two dimensional surfaces into three dimensional super graphic, enhanced finishes as the wall peels away from the surface where walls change direction.
Dulux White Watsonia punches to the foreground, while Dulux Domino recedes, accentuating the difference in finish and aiming to provide a simple form, dynamism and sense of play within the neutral background palette of raw brick and recycled timber.
The effect is dramatic and graphic but does not overwhelm the interior. The stair and entry foyer act as an anchor in the large open warehouse volume, which is gradually revealed as one moves through the interior. The graphic black and white was also used to assist with wayfinding and providing an iconic interior for the client.
ACCOLADES
Australian Interior Design Awards Workplace Design Award 2012
Belle/Coco Republic Interior Design Awards 2012
PRODUCTS
FINISHES
WK MARBLE & GRANITE
WOVEN IMAGE
ECO PANEL SLIDING PANELS WALL CLADDING
NATIONAL TILES, KITCHENETTE AND BATHROOM TILES
MIRROR
VIRIDIAN NEW WORLD GLASS
TIMBER DECKING
110MM MERBAU CLEAR MATT SEALANT
EXTERNAL PAINT
DOMINO
INTERNAL PAINT
DULUX
LIGHTING
INLITE
AMBIENCE LIGHTING
ARTIMEDE
SUPERLIGHT
LIGHT SWITCHES
CLIPSAL
WORK STATIONS
UCI
