Project Overview

The Law Council of Australia is the peak national representative body for the Australian legal profession. Together with Spaceful, the Law Council embarked on a transformative workplace fit-out. The objective of this project was to create a welcoming environment, inspired by the Canberra Region.

Set over two floors, the new Law Council office is located on Braddon’s bustling Lonsdale Street, a growth area for mixed use developments with proximity to the CBD.

Project Commissioner

Law Council of Australia

Project Creator

Spaceful

Project Brief

Having previously occupied two separate buildings, Law Council wanted to bring their staff together in a single location to foster a stronger sense of community, whilst consolidating and reducing overhead costs.

It was equally important that Spaceful design a beautiful and functional workplace that their people would enjoy coming to each day and, at the same time, attract top talent within the field.

Project Innovation/Need

The space was designed to prioritize the needs of the Law Council’s people; to foster face-to-face collaboration, strengthen in-person connections, and empower individuals.

Many of the design elements are inspired by the local environment, such as the warm leather and timber detailing in the bespoke joinery and furniture, whilst the bronze metal finishes are a subtle nod to the legal profession. A harmonious color palette was carefully chosen to reflect the changing seasons in the Canberra Region, enhancing the ambiance.

The lighting design establishes continuity throughout the space. Ceilings are fitted with organic LED strip lights that act as an architectural way-finding feature. These lights weave around the workspaces across both levels, mimicking the winding pathways around the foreshores of Lake Burley Griffin. Perforated ceilings were introduced in the back-of-house area to delineate different team neighborhoods.

The layout was planned to optimize workflow and provide easy access to essential amenities. Two circulating corridors seamlessly connect the front and back-of-house facilities, ensuring efficient movement and connectivity.

Another stand-out feature is the emphasis on collaborative spaces. The open-plan work environment encourages team members to move freely and engage with one another.

Level 2 boasts two large conference spaces divided by an operable wall. This space was designed to accommodate the Law Council’s quarterly board meetings. The operable wall transforms the spaces into one expansive area capable of seating over 50 people.

Biophilic elements were thoughtfully integrated throughout as a way of bringing more elements of nature indoors.

Design Challenge

One of the key challenges of the floorplan was the access to natural light. The structure of the building did not allow for an abundance of light in the central areas of the workspace and couldn’t be modified to accommodate it. To overcome this challenge and introduce as much natural light as possible, Spaceful thoughtfully integrated luminous stretched ceilings into the space to increase the perception of natural light without changing the existing structure of the building. The ceilings, created to mimic skylights, now radiate soft light that instantly envelopes the space and complements the soft interiors, creating a sense of comfort.

Open workspaces were also strategically positioned along the perimeter of the space to allow for ample access to the floor-to-ceiling windows and a greater connection to the outdoor environment.

Sustainability

In line with the Law Council’s commitment to sustainability, Spaceful designed the workplace to a 5-star - Green Star rating, using materials such as recycled milk bottles that have been cleverly repurposed into acoustic paneling.

The Law Council of Australia’s Green Star Interior Fit Out Certification is currently in submission and will be completed in 2024.