Project Overview

Spaceful set out to create a new studio that would support its growing team, reflect its innovative methodology, and serve as a living embodiment of its brand. The brief was to design a workspace that would enhance collaboration, inspire creativity, boost productivity, and prioritise employee well-being, while also leaving a lasting impression on clients and reinforcing Spaceful’s position as an industry leader.

Located in the heart of Sydney CBD, the new studio is dynamic, flexible, and human-centric. An open layout promotes interaction and cross-functional collaboration, while designated quiet zones, a wellness area, and design library caters to every work style, contributing to a thriving workplace.

Every design choice has been thoughtfully considered, from the bronze Spaceful monogram embedded in the polished concrete, to the custom AV screen that doubles as a motion art installation and presentation tool. Brand elements are woven throughout via custom ceilings, fluted glass, wood panelling, and a warm, curated material palette.

Technology, sustainability, and biophilic design were central to the concept. Environmental acoustic treatments, circadian lighting, and energy-efficient systems enhance comfort and performance, while sustainable materials contribute to long-term operational efficiency.

The new space not only facilitates the work of today but is designed to evolve with the needs of tomorrow. It’s a place where employees are empowered, creativity is fuelled, and clients are immersed in the essence of what Spaceful delivers. The project is proof that thoughtful, intentional design can shape a better future for everyone.

Organisation

Spaceful

Project Brief

The brief was to design a new headquarters for Spaceful that would reflect the brands workplace design philosophy, serving not only as a functional office but as a living example of its methodology, demonstrating what is possible in a workplace. The new space needed to support diverse work styles, facilitate cross-team collaboration, and create a culture of innovation, productivity, and wellbeing. It was crucial for the design to empower Spaceful’s employees to work at their best and inspire them to embrace the brand’s mission and values.

Beyond supporting internal performance, the workplace had to project the company’s identity externally. The brief called for an environment that would leave a lasting impression on clients, act as a brand experience centre, and attract top talent by demonstrating Spaceful’s position as a leader in strategic, human-centric workplace design.

Informed by detailed ethnographic research, including spatial analysis, surveys, and observational studies, the brief also demanded that the space meet the needs of specific teams. This included a design library for the design teams, wellness areas, acoustic privacy for client calls, and flexible zones to accommodate shifting team dynamics.

The final design needed to deliver a workplace optimised for all stakeholders, including employees, clients, partners, and service providers, while clearly telling the Spaceful story through every touchpoint.

Project Innovation/Need

Blending innovation with sensory-driven design, this project redefines the workplace experience through a unique multisensory journey. From the moment guests arrive, scent, sight, touch, and sound work together to create an immediate connection. A signature Spaceful scent, infused through the air system deepens the sense of familiarity with each visit, while lush greenery, soft textures, premium acoustics and curated music enhance comfort. A striking 4200mm x 2000mm LED screen wall delivers a bold yet refined visual statement, making the environment both beautiful and inviting.

Cutting edge technology is embedded throughout the design. A circadian LED system provides real-time data on occupancy, noise levels, CO2 concentrations and temperature while optimising lighting for energy efficiency and well-being. By mimicking natural daylight cycles, the system creates a healthier, more productive work environment. Advanced collaboration tools, including an AI-powered Logitech Sight Teams camera and interactive digital whiteboards ensures seamless integration between physical and virtual teams. An advanced room booking system facilitates desk and room booking, to support a hybrid work model.

Sustainability is equally prioritised, in alignment with the building's 5 Green Star and 5.5 NABERS energy rating. An Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) peer review guided the selection of materials, including ENVIROSPRAY 300, made from 80% recycled cellulose fibres, and acoustic panels crafted from recycled milk bottles. Cork panels in quiet rooms further enhance acoustics sustainably.

With its pioneering multisensory approach, seamless technology integration, and sustainable innovation, this project sets a new benchmark for intelligent and immersive workplace design.

Design Challenge

A key challenge was to create a functional and inspiring design library to meet the needs of Spaceful’s team and clients. Although essential to accurately represent colour palettes, natural light was limited. To overcome this, the team strategically positioned the library near the existing window and enhanced it with a custom-built lightbox that simulates natural daylight. This ensured consistent, high-quality lighting that makes colour accuracy possible regardless of the time of day.

Cool white lighting was also integrated throughout the space to support concentration and clarity during detailed, design-focused tasks. A large TV screen was installed in the design library to allow for easy transitions between physical samples and digital presentations. This flexibility supports a more personalised and professional client experience, enabling teams to move effortlessly between different areas of the studio.

The original vision was significantly challenged by a series of unforeseen obstacles. The base building’s refurbishment ran 18 months behind schedule and the absence of an on-site building supervisor, paired with irregular (often non-existent) communication from the builder added instability and uncertainty.

In response, the delivery and design teams shifted to an agile, adaptive approach. With minimal notice of on-site changes, weekly design revisions became essential. Many decisions were made in real time without a full picture—requiring a careful balance of flexibility and design integrity.

Ultimately, the team focused on navigating ambiguity, adapting continuously, and holding firm to the original design vision. The result is a dynamic, inspiring studio that Spaceful is proud of.

Sustainability

Sustainability was a driving force behind every design and construction decision in this project, aligning with the building’s 5 Green Star and 5.5 NABERS energy rating. A thorough ESD peer review helped guide material selection, ensuring a low environmental impact and high-performance outcomes.

Key materials included ENVIROSPRAY 300 for the exposed ceiling, made from 80% recycled cellulose fibres with ultra-low VOC emissions, and acoustic panels repurposed from recycled milk bottles. Cork wall panelling in quiet rooms enhanced acoustic performance while offering a renewable, natural finish.

Energy-efficient LED lighting with occupancy and environmental sensors was installed to optimise power usage, while high-performance insulation helped minimise energy loss. An on-site recycling system for construction waste, including metal, plastic, and cardboard, ensured responsible disposal and reduced landfill impact.

To ensure long-term accountability, Spaceful also established tracking metrics to monitor the project’s sustainability performance well beyond completion. The result is a future-ready workplace that demonstrates environmental responsibility without compromising on functionality or design.