Financial Institution - Melbourne
3:58

Axiom Workplaces partnered with a leading national wealth management organisation to transform its Melbourne head office. Spanning two floors and approximately 2000 sqm at the prestigious 171 Collins Street, Axiom delivered a holistic solution encompassing workplace strategy, design, project management, and construction for this significant commercial office fitout.

The Building, 171 Collins Street, Melbourne

The office resides in an iconic Melbourne building blending heritage and modernity. With its Romanesque Revival façade and a striking 18-storey glass tower designed by Bates Smart, the space offers a sense of legacy alongside contemporary features. Premium amenities include:

  • Sustainability Ratings: 6 Star NABERS for Energy and Waste, 6 Star Green Star As Built, and 5 Star Green Star Performance.
  • Facilities: Business lounges, end-of-trip amenities, wellness zones, and certified carbon-neutral operations.

Workplace Strategy

Before initiating design, Axiom facilitated workshops with leadership and employees, leveraging proprietary tools like the wrkx index to uncover organisational objectives.

Key outcomes included:

  • Enhanced Collaboration: Consolidating teams into larger, unified floorplates to foster connection and dismantle silos.
  • Space Optimisation: Studies informed efficient workflows, aligning the design with existing and aspirational practices.
  • Employee Well-being: Insights highlighted the need for dynamic, ergonomic spaces infused with natural elements.
  • ESG Alignment: Adhering to stringent sustainability goals, the project integrated the client’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework.

Design Features

The design prioritises collaboration, functionality, and cultural resonance:

  • Functional Spaces: Includes training rooms, front-of-house client areas, and daily-use collaborative zones.
  • Art Integration: Bespoke artworks celebrate the heritage façade, symbolizing the organisation’s connection to Melbourne's business district.
  • Sustainable Choices: Locally sourced materials and furniture reflect the client’s social and environmental values.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Stylish finishes and biophilic elements create a welcoming, high-class atmosphere.

See below the design concepts shown in renders for the breakout area, boardroom, reception and client arrival space.

Construction Project Challenges and Execution

This high-detail project, executed under tight timelines, overcame several complexities:

  • Structural Modifications: Installation of a connecting staircase to unify levels and encourage interaction.
  • Integrated Processes: Combining make-good and fit-out processes to streamline delivery.
  • Project Management of Trades & Services: Workplace technology partner Workspace AV. Custom joinery partner Nouva.
  • Advanced Tools: Utilising technologies like PROCORE and Sign on Site for real-time progress tracking and safety management.

Sustainability Achievements

The project embedded sustainability at every stage:

  • Recycled Content: Where possible reuse of existing furniture reduced waste and supported circular economy principles.
  • Energy Efficiency: Alignment with the building's 6-Star NABERS rating for energy performance.
  • Inclusive Procurement: Engaged First Nations-owned businesses and social enterprises to foster diversity.

The finished Project

The finished space embodies sophistication and purpose:

  • Reception Area: Impresses visitors with its refined styling and warm, inviting ambiance.
  • Breakout Spaces: Serve as social hubs, enhancing employee connection and well-being.
  • Overall Design: Reflects the client’s ethos, promoting collaboration, sustainability, and employee satisfaction.

This transformation exemplifies Axiom’s expertise in delivering tailored workplace strategies and commercial office fitouts that align with client values and business objectives.

 

Take a virtual tour.

Navigation: Computer- mouse, Phone- finger tips.

 

Photos taken by Shannon McGrath

This workplace was designed using a workplace strategy guided by an ESG framework with a focus on Wellness & Wellbeing. Find out how design principles can boost Wellness and Wellbeing in the workplace.

 

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The Design

The key design themes - Authentic, Inquisitive, Engaging - serve as the foundation for the transformative design elements implemented in this workspace. The hospitality aspects of PIP's Sydney office fitout underscore the organisation's commitment to creating a welcoming and inspiring environment where employees can socialize and work harmoniously with their coworkers. By driving purpose and innovation through colocation, PIP leverages its office design to foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, and excellence.

The new workspace embraces the principles of biophilia, and the integration of lush greenery and natural elements. Not only did this beautify the outdoor space but also significantly expanded the breakout and function areas, creating a harmonious connection with nature.

Furthermore, strategic changes in floor finishes have been carefully curated to guide visual pathways throughout the workspace, enhancing the flow and functionality of the environment. The emphasis on natural light not only benefits the well-being of the staff but also adds a sense of warmth and vitality to the space, with the built environment thoughtfully positioned against solid walls to optimize exposure.

In addition, the inclusion of a wellness space, equipped with amenities such as a fridge and an occasional armchair, caters to the diverse needs of the employees, providing a dedicated area for activities like prayer, meditation, and relaxation. The arrivals area has been thoughtfully designed to exude a sense of welcome and inclusivity, achieved through strategic zoning and the selective use of timber ceiling panels upon entry, setting the tone for a positive and inviting work environment.

 

 

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The Outcome

Axiom truly excelled in maximizing the functionality of the limited floor space available through innovative and thoughtful space planning techniques. By incorporating softer curves and angles into the design, they were able to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall aesthetic, balancing out the building's rectilinear structure. This design choice not only enhanced the visual appeal but also helped to clearly define the different areas within the workspace, from open workspaces to meeting rooms and breakout areas, using a clever combination of colours and textures.

Moreover, the creation of a versatile collaborative zone in the breakout space showcased Axiom's commitment to creating dynamic and multifunctional work environments. This space not only served as a town hall or presentation area but also doubled as a communal meal space, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among employees. Its strategic location near the large balcony further enhanced its functionality, allowing for seamless transitions between indoor meetings and outdoor gatherings, ultimately promoting the social well-being and connectivity of the staff. Axiom's attention to detail and focus on creating spaces that cater to both practical needs and social interactions truly set them apart in the world of design.

 

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