Project Overview

The RPtecture office seeks to redefine multi-level office space, incorporating a range of minimalistic linear architectural elements and details to boast a measured yet unique aesthetic. The existing site situated at the rear of a small and narrow heritage listed shopfront, required careful spatial consideration and strategic planning. Every detail was meticulously considered transforming the space into a striking and modern design, one that truly embraces the constraints of a narrow site by concentrating the space over the vertical axis. Preserving the significant heritage character of the shopfront, the office exterior hidden behind exhibits a unique linear pattern of natural bamboo timber, ultimately creating a significant juxtaposition between modern and heritage architecture.
Internally no detail was overlooked, with recurring elements of light and transparency found in the textures of the structural materials creating an open atmosphere while ultimately forming convenient functionality for individual and collaborative work. The strategic use of lighting along a variety of structures such as the staircases and desks, work to emphasize and elongate these elements and the space to further enhance the architectural details and ultimately accentuate the purposeful open atmosphere. People working in the office daily will be able to take a break and experience breath of fresh air from their usual grind by using the wide balconies located on the top two floors.

Organisation

Rptecture Architects

Team

RPtecture required a new office space as the old business address wasn't working as well for them. Vincent found the current business site and found potential that could be created from this site. Hence the RPtecture team which consisted of D Fung, A Yu, S Siew and V Choi, with this small team we worked on each detail for drawings and ensured the project ran smoothly. This would not have been possible if we didn't have diligent contractors helping on our project like Michael from Rennew Homes.

Project Brief

Situated on a small limiting block, the project brief was to maximise space to formulate a multi-level collaborative office environment that complemented the surrounding heritage character. Having limited space horizontally, naturally it was decided to design towards the skies. Each level is designed to cater for a different functional intent, with similar design elements echoed and reiterated throughout the entirety of the office building. Fusing modern and heritage architecture the building seeks to re-imagine micro offices, with the minimal fittings and carefully crafted interior design inspiring collaborative work throughout the space. This project sought to move away from traditional office conventions, incorporating non linear lighting fixtures with the subtle zigzag effect of the ceiling lights to create a sense of movement as they appear to run up the length of the office space. Embedded within contrasting ceiling tile colours and geometries, the ceiling ultimately livens up the interior space, bringing some playfulness into the structure. Lighting was also used to elongate the space, placed along the contrasting stairways and desks the light emphasizes and contrasts. The raised nature of the structure allows natural light to permeated the space throughout the day, as well as helping to frame and showcasing the surrounding scenery. To implement interior design worthy of praise the office used a holistic concept, letting raw materials weave their story throughout the space. Bamboo, glass and perforated steel are combined artfully, giving the final finish one of refined simplicity combined with high quality design.

Project Innovation/Need

With space becoming a precious commodity and the role of conventional offices transforming, this project highlights the need and importance of smart spatial design. On a block of only 4.5 metres wide and with heritage set back overlays, space was the main challenge. Highly considered layout and planning enables open movement throughout the space, enabling collaborative areas and work stations that foster an inclusive and productive office environment. Pushing the boundaries of design, this project demonstrates that aesthetic functional architecture can be achieved and adapted to suit the site despite multiple constraints. The need for modern work places is also highlighted, with the design shying away from a the conventions of a traditional office, exploring ideas of collaboration, openness and transparency in the work place. Our co-working space is the first of it's kind in Canterbury as this facility was not available previously in this suburb. We have incorporated in our design to allow breath of fresh air without leaving the building by including wide balconies but also allow us to connect indoor and outdoor space with the use of bi-fold doors if bigger space is required.

Design Challenge

The predominant design challenge was maximising space, with particular consideration placed on interior space and interior components. Minimalist clean fittings, combined with open plan design increase the perceived interior space, ensuring the office environment doesn't feel enclosed. Material selection was also increasingly important, with a minimalistic colour palate selected to brighten the space and compliment the featured bamboo wood, glass and perforated steel. Natural light is abundant in the space, with large south facing windows framing views over Canterbury Gardens, further increasing the perception of space. These overall elements give the finish of minimalist linear architectural element s and details which combine to create a unique, functional and playful work space. Being the first to create Canterbury's first co-working, we had no benchmark to compare in close vicinity, however we knew it was market need as many small businesses would want to expand their networks close to home and creating this space allows not only space of their own but to interact with like-mind individuals.

Sustainability

Creating design with sustainability in mind the building has many openings such as a skylight, bi-fold doors and high windows to let natural air breath through the space, create stack effect, cross ventilation and cooling. Natural light was considered to be important to a workplace with indications to improved health and well being, because of this large double glazed windows and natural lighting were incorporated into the design. Extending limited space was also important in condense space hence bi-fold glass doors were installed in the space so that we could extend area onto the balconies to fuse as one. Consideration was also placed into selecting natural materials such as a bamboo where ever possible, and incorporating LED light fittings instead of fluorescent lights to further ensure reduced environmental impact. We incorporated stairs instead of installing a lift as it uses less energy, electricity and promotes health and well being by allowing users of the space to exercise up and down the space.