We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which our company is located and where we conduct our business. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. Bates Smart is committed to honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society.

The next evolution of workplace design

Corrs Chambers Westgarth

The highly crafted interior at Corrs Chambers Westgarth reflects a timeless, innovative and immersive experience for staff and clients.

Inspired a strong sense of place, the workplace is sensitively integrated into the Quay Quarter Tower, offering some of the most iconic, uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour. Occupying four purpose-built floors, each comprising approximately 1,900sqm, the design approach challenged standards for an A-grade base build. The result provides solutions that are more sustainable, improves both wellbeing and productivity, and accommodates a variety of work settings and amenities to foster different work styles and requirements.

Maximising conditions inherited from the base building, a variety of uses were created that respond to and embrace the existing column grid and scale, including shared offices, quiet library zones and intimate seating with banquettes. New lighting technology replaced less efficient base building lighting and introduced localised light, adding a sustainability advantage. Maximising occupation of areas with natural light and considering how work floors are illuminated led to a lighting strategy that responds to circadian rhythms, creating an atmosphere beneficial to staff wellbeing.

Framing the external view and allowing light to enter through the transparent façade simulates a double-height experience and connects the curvature of the interior space with the soft organic topography of the harbour. Modern meeting rooms with glass partitions maximise the view corridor, while curtaining accounts for privacy and acoustics when in use. In the absence of fixed walls, aside from digital displays, all technology is discretely integrated within the space.

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A large conference space with food and beverage facilities enables Corrs to conduct most functions on site rather than rely on third-party venues to entertain and engage staff. Merging external restaurant design with hotel-style conferencing creates a unique corporate offering more akin to a premium hotel conference and restaurant experience. The space opens up further into a separate area for informal meeting and private dining with a partner’s lounge and café for staff and clients.

The installation of an additional staircase promotes movement between floors, while a ‘reflection pond’ feature underneath the existing spiral stairs offers a moment of pause. Furniture and bespoke pieces were sourced locally, while collaborations with local designers and artists give the space a uniquely Australian feel. Suspended in the double-height lobby space is ‘Skylark’ by Kokatha and Nukunu artist Yhonnie Scarce and architectural designer Mikhail Rodrick.

The vernacular of materials enhances the connection with the surrounding natural and built environments. The tactility of some materials and textures feel as though waves from the harbour have softened and formed their compound curves, while floor tiles are shaped and patterned in response to the cobbled granite floor tiling surrounding the Opera House.

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Gavin MacLaren

CEO, Corrs Chambers Westgarth

Details

Client

Corrs Chambers Westgarth

Collaborators

  • Buildcorp
  • Generate Property Group
  • Yhonnie Scarce, artist + Mikhail Rodrick, architectural designer
  • Sophie Ullin Art Advisory

Location

Sydney | Gadigal Country, Australia

Sectors

Year

2023

Status

Completed

Area

7650 sqm

Awards

  • Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) NSW, Commendation for Interior Architecture, 2023

Photography

Nicole England