Project Overview

Dynamic design, creative craftsmanship and inspiring innovation. Unispace Sydney is the latest iteration of an evolving prototype that places the firms ‘Think Create Make’ methodology into motion, with spaces supported by integrated technology and behaviours.

Organisation

Unispace

Team

Arne Proctor, Chris Free, Jason Layish, Justin Conceicao, Kevin McCabe, Madalena De Barros, Nectarios Lazaris, Simon Pole, Tony Dickens

Project Brief

With an approaching lease expiry at their Alfred St studio, coupled
with a rapidly growing team, Unispace decided to relocate their global headquarters to a new space that would support their growth and inspire their people.

The relocation presented Unispace with an opportunity to create a studio environment highly conducive to creative working and cross-pollination of ideas, putting their Think, Create, Make methodology into action.

Situated within the iconic Harry Seidler-designed Grosvenor Place, a landmark on the Sydney skyline, the buildings’ unique curved floor plate was a major design challenge to overcome. It has now become a key design feature of the studio.

Project Innovation/Need

Unispace hosted a collaborative design competition in Auckland with Directors and Principals from their global studios. The workshop yielded a range of creative solutions that responded to the curve of the building and built on the continuous desk concept used in other global studios.

Following the workshop, ‘The Pavilion’ concept evolved; which connects the length of the floorplate and frames views to the harbour. A magnificent design feature of the space, the Pavilion is connected entirely by timber and required careful consideration and meticulous attention to detail from the team.

Intricate detailing within every aspect of the design adds to the overall user experience. From the interactive 100sqm academy with writable surfaces and interactive screens, where teams can be trained globally, to the front of house breakout and event space.

The soft, light palette is complimented by concrete, marble and natural wood throughout the space, all working to highlight the spectacular harbour views.

Design Challenge

Unispace’s delivery team worked in parallel to the design team to develop intricate and sophisticated solutions to ensure excellence in the construction process.

While the building curve is a feature of the space, it proved a challenge throughout construction. Connected entirely by timber, this unique structure complements the curve of the building and frames the view. Each ceiling frame becomes marginally wider from one end to another as it approaches the edge of the building, this required careful accuracy and precision in every ceiling frame.

Essential infrastructure and services are concealed from site to convey a luxe, sleek and minimal result. The floor features unallocated work stations, multiple meeting and chat rooms, sit-to-stand workstations, lounge settings, informal booths as well as a large open plan breakout. Conference rooms, a boardroom and an on-site academy facility incorporate innovative technology to connect the Sydney studio with their global team.

Sustainability

Sustainability is an integral part of the Unispace methodology. This best practice approach was adopted for the Sydney studio sourcing FSC approved products and materials. Unispace maximised access to natural light by configuring the built zones to the centre of the building, with no built zones on the perimeter.