DESIGN / BRIEF

This project was undertaken with Divitcos Architecture and involved the new fit-out and extension of a commercial office building in the CBD.

The existing four storey building with heritage overlay was to be retained and upgraded to include new facilities for office spaces, with two new levels and rooftop decks to be built on the top levels. 

A new steel grid frame was proposed to contain the new areas within. The frame reinforces the notion of the Hoddle grid which defines Melbourne’s CBD, plus creates a strong sculptural element that crowns the heritage building below. The new additions both complement and distinguish the existing structure and were designed with pre-fabrication in mind, to simplify construction via crane work.

The materials proposed are primarily stainless steel, masonry and metal cladding, which are elegant, durable and sympathetic to the existing building. The steel frame allows for proposed vines to create green walls to provide natural shading, filtering air and a green oasis for office workers.