The design of the new Kapitol Group headquarters in the heart of downtown Melbourne embraces biophilia, and Big River Group’s timber significantly adds to this connection to nature.
Delivering a new typology of office space, the Kapitol Group Offices has been designed with the future of work in mind. Addressing the challenges of a post-pandemic office world and the contemporary needs of the workplace, the design re-energizes the coworking sector in a revolutionary space that has end-user wellbeing at its core.
Kapitol Group, a privately owned two-tier construction company working across sectors including commercial, education, industrial and residential, engaged innovative architecture and design firm, March Studio to design its new, substantially larger, corporate office in Melbourne’s CBD. The result is a clean, functional and highly liveable space.
“The project is a direct response to the way its end-user will occupy and engage in it. We took cues from a variety of different working environments to deliver a space that is sympathetic towards flexible working arrangements and has been designed to maximise employee wellbeing,” says architect Rodney Eggleston from March Studio.
Amalgamating a range of modern office solutions including open plan, activity-based and conference rooms, Kapitol Group will be able to adapt their space requirements as their needs change. A range of on-site amenities has also been incorporated to provide everything employees will need to stay productive in a space that is comfortable, highly functional and visually appealing.
The design embraces a biophilic methodology, and the incorporation of greenery throughout the space creates a calming atmosphere. Also contributing to a sense of connection with nature is the use of Big River Group’s timber throughout. In line with the design narrative, timber is well known for enhancing wellbeing in an internal environment, and plays an important role in marrying indoor and outdoor spaces.
Kapitol Group wanted a sustainably sourced Australian timber product for the floors, walls, desks, and furniture throughout their new offices, with a requirement that it would have to be robust enough to service the foot traffic while showcasing the artistry and intricate eye for detail that the construction company is well known for. Big River Group’s premium plywood products Armourpanel and ArmourFloor in Spotted Gum were specified, adding a depth and richness to the overall design.
A linking feature throughout, Big River’s decorative plywood products combine the stunning intimacy of native timbers with the rugged durability of a precision-engineered structural product. With the species’ unique grain structures being preserved, they have a distinctly natural appeal and are popular choices for biophilic design.
Further to the objective of servicing the Kapitol employees’ wellbeing, March Studio worked alongside Living Edge to select interior elements that would address end-user wellbeing directly. Every desk in the office can be electronically adjusted for both sitting and standing, an important OHS requirement for the modern office environment.
“We are thrilled with our new head office. It was important for us to collaborate with an architect and designer who had a vision for a modern office fitout, which was not only functional but also aligned with our values of ensuring sustainability in construction. The outcome speaks for itself – we’ve had no issues encouraging our staff to return to the office after the COVID lockdowns – our office is full most days,” explains Andrew Deveson, co-founder and director of Kapitol Group.
Listed as one of Australia’s best places to work by WRK+ in 2021, Kapitol Group Offices is a collaboration between Kapitol Group, March Studio and Living Edge.
Photography: Damien Kook
