Breaking away from the conventional modern office tower, SEEK’s new headquarters in Cremorne, VIC brings a distinguished aesthetic to inner-Melbourne. Steel framing systems offer strong support for the wildly imaginative design by Hassell that sees seven storeys deliver a space crafted to the changing needs of its employees.

Boasting a 6-star Green Star rating, the sustainable build ensures the HQ is built to last with its surroundings. The bold brick façade and dual arch design highlight the building’s inimitable style that was recognised as an outstanding accomplishment of commercial architecture at the 2022 Victorian Architecture Awards.

Studco Engineering serviced Hassell’s visualisation for a bespoke office space inspired by Cremorne’s masonry past. Precise installation and expedient construction were established with Studco’s comprehensive technical plans.

End-to-End Framing

Studco steel stud and track frame the internal walls all throughout the tower’s seven floors. The premium BlueScope steel composition brought durability to this framing. The engineering and supply of internal wall systems spanned varying scales, including wall heights up to 4000mm. The Logistics team handily arranged the delivery of these products through consistent communication with on-site parties. Ultimately, Studco delivered all specified wall types ranging from 64mm to 150mm wide steel stud wall systems.

Several Studco products were included in the wall framing system, including nogging tracks, nogging brackets and slotted deflection head tracks.

Studco Technical Services provided a tailored construction engineering solution. The Studco engineering documents specified each wall type and ceiling detail that included fixing details and also detailed connection drawings. All wall and ceiling steel framing was engineered to meet the building’s seismic design criteria.

The floor plans accommodated for expansive open spaces suited to the large-scale workforce at SEEK. Such open spaces are also versatile to meet the needs of the moment – sliding floor-to-ceiling whiteboards can merge to form dividing walls and create a separate space for on-call teams from the remainder of their floor. This intelligent use of space came about through the crafty engineering of Studco’s Technical team.

Making Work Simple with HEDA

A standalone room on the top floor houses a kitchen for employees. Built as a standalone pod, the kitchen easily slips into its position at the top of the building’s roof pitch. Its construction was made simple with the use of Studco’s HEDA jambs. Offering a fast way to create openings in both internal and external walls, this was useful due to the numerous large wall openings in the kitchen. The HEDA jamb’s labour efficient formation of lintel and sill eliminated the need for boxed studs altogether. Paired with this is the uncompromising design as the size of these wall openings did not have to be minimised for technical purposes, allowing for the large fridge doors along with the aluminium trim laced around the edges. The HEDA connection created significant wall openings whilst supporting the structural integrity of the pod.

Making the job of the installers easier, the HEDA jamb’s ease of installation contributed to the project meeting the short deliverance window. On-site inspections confirmed the installation was completed in alignment with the consultant’s details. Client enquiries – both in-person and through the StudcoBuildIT service – were answered with thorough technical support and documentation.

Unconventional Thinking for Ceiling Solutions

The tower’s offices and discussion rooms were designed to appear as freestanding structures, a detail that was crucial to bringing to life the architectural ambition for a ‘contemporary warehouse’. Each individual office, thereby, serves as an insular ‘pod’ for employees and teams to work. SEEK’s vision for these office pods was furthered by the mirror panels sitting above the pod – reflecting the exposed concrete slab to remain visible to the passing eye. In order to accomplish this, Studco supplied and engineered stud ceiling and set-back bulkhead framing adhering to the unique structural requirements of the pods. Meticulous plans informed the best possible ceiling and bulkhead installations with reference to the internal servicing above them.

The warehouse-inspired finish leaves the ceiling slab exposed in homage to the area’s industrial heritage. Wiring and servicing components openly run along the ceiling through cable trays – balancing industrial design with practical flexibility for future office spaces.

Constructing an Exemplary Workplace

The SEEK HQ mirrors the area’s traditional architecture from the outside and breathes modern design from within. An extensive catalogue of framing solutions and an experienced Technical team represent Studco’s contribution to the successful build. Along with experience came Studco’s ability to meet the project’s short lead times by delivering on engineering amendments and material transfers in quick turnaround periods.

Built with the future and the comfort of its employees in mind, the final construction is an undeniable feat. SEEK’s new home explores the possibilities of office space design and delivers a bold triumph of construction.

Project Details

Project: SEEK Headquarters; 60-88 Cremorne St, Cremorne VIC 312

Products Used:

  • Studco Stud and Track
  • HEDA Jamb
  • Stud Ceiling System