How do you design an efficient and refined dual-function workplace?
Associate Ashleigh Ward discusses the value of a purpose-built design strategy within the commercial interiors sector, citing Kokoda Property’s recently completed Melbourne workplace as a testament to this scheme.
As project lead on a series of commercial fit-outs, specifically Kokoda Property’s Melbourne workplace, Ashleigh Ward is accustomed to the tight deadlines and diverse provisions required to achieve a successful built outcome.
Tried and true
Trusting Carr’s design expertise across various disciplines, Kokoda’s new workplace in Cremorne is a bespoke and distinctive office and entertaining space that showcases the client’s work, while also encouraging investment.
Despite the short period from conception to completion, a robust design approach was necessary to honour Kokoda’s brand and support its future endeavours.
“Over the course of our collaborations with Kokoda, we have built up a palette of finishes that we also utilised in this fit-out, such as metal mesh, rich timbers, striking natural stones as well as our approach to AV,” Ashleigh explains. “Carr and Kokoda are both aligned in the commitment to excellence in everything we do, and this palette of finishes exemplifies that shared ethos.”
The finishes were also informed by the urban and historical context of Cremorne and the existing architecture of the building, with the interiors evoking a polished industrial flavour.
Future-proof
The choice of materials, combined with a purpose-built workplace, was identified as the design solution that most distinguished the client from their peers and competitors.
Ashleigh shares, “Kokoda had growth projections that meant their current office was no longer fit for purpose. In response to Kokoda’s brief for a new office, we designed a floor plate with a desk ratio to accommodate their future growth. This included an increased number of meeting rooms and collaboration spaces to meet specific functions.”
Our design separated workstations with loose furniture and joinery to enable team sizes to expand and contract. Along with a flexible layout, the acoustic approach is tailored to different privacy demands in the front and back of house areas, with the former requiring more discretion.
Two for one
It was essential to complete the project within budget, designing a new office that was not only commercially viable but also reflected the high-quality, premium standards of Kokoda’s developments.
To accomplish this, the back-of-house was simplified with a pared-back palette of materials, while the views of the surrounding neighbourhood and landscaping on the balcony became focal points.
In the front of house, the Kokoda brand is at the forefront with large-scale screens that showcase completed and current work to strike a captivating first impression. “We designed the layout so that the loose furniture was oriented towards the screens and lounge chairs were able to swivel, facilitating both viewing and conversation.”
Understated signage is a key element of the brand strategy within the space. Designed by Carr, the integrated signage peels away from the metal-clad wall panelling, revealing a soft wash of light internally. “As soon as you enter the space, you see the sign and know you’ve arrived at Kokoda Property.” A central built environment ties the back and front of houses together visually and spatially. “It’s very much the spine of the fit-out,” adds Ashleigh.
Kokoda Property’s new Melbourne office displays the impact of a purpose-built design. Custom materials, flexible floorplates and furniture, and bespoke details reveal a functional and tailored environment that elevates and nurtures Kokoda’s brand and workplace experience.
