The brief for this project was to create a modern open plan office for 35 staff within a gutted loft space of a historic building in Lambton Quay. The client Harrison and Grierson had an extensive brief to accommodate the various needs of a multi-discipline engineering and consultancy company. The vacant space featured exposed brick walls, shot-blasted concrete from strengthening works, and an uninsulated roof.

The response to this was to break the solution down into components.

The existing building shell was retained utilising concrete and brick walls with cast iron columns and timber trusses. The underside of the roof had acoustic panels installed to improve internal acoustics, rain noise, and thermal insulation. This ensured that the best quality open-plan environment was achieved.

With a ceiling height reaching up to 5.5 metres the solution to provide internal meeting rooms was achieved by creating a pavilion along one side of the main space housing meeting rooms, reception, and a break-out area. Timber-clad pillars housing storage and a kitchen support a white ceiling plane guiding visitors from the entry through to meeting spaces and a breakout area that can also be used for informal meetings

A second form was created that houses the utility space, server room, quiet rooms, and ablutions. This form also creates a project space and informal meeting alcove with its location.

The final design solution is an articulated open-plan office with virtually no walls, that is defined by a series of elements and sliding glass doors providing a variety of meeting and work spaces to support the collaborative working environment within the multi disciplinary office.

THE FINAL DESIGN SOLUTION IS AN ARTICULATED OPEN PLAN OFFICE WITH VIRTUALLY NO WALLS