Seqwater - Strategy & Fitout
Seqwater is a Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority responsible for delivering safe, secure, and cost-effective bulk water supply to over three million people across Southeast Queensland. In addition to providing essential flood mitigation services, Seqwater manages catchment health, offers community recreation facilities, and supplies water for irrigation to approximately 1,200 farmers across seven water supply schemes. As one of the largest water businesses, Seqwater boasts the most geographically spread and diverse asset base of any capital city water authority in Australia, with operations extending from the New South Wales border to the base of the Toowoomba ranges.
The Project
Seqwater engaged Axiom Workplaces to undertake comprehensive strategy, design, construction, and project management for the office fitouts at several of their locations. The project began with an extensive business strategy focusing on both operational and corporate staff across multiple Seqwater sites and offices in Queensland. This strategic groundwork was pivotal in defining the design and construction approach for their tier-one sites, including the office at 200 Creek Street, Brisbane.
Strategic Insights
The initial strategy phase included a thorough understanding of Seqwater’s core functions, emergency accommodation guidelines, leadership accommodation strategy, projected staffing numbers, and consultations with Seqwater Facilities Management leaders. This detailed planning enabled the development of a master roadmap and space budgets for four key locations, ensuring each office met specific functional requirements.
Design & Sustainability
The design of Level 2 at 200 Creek Street, Brisbane, marked our first construction project based on the strategic work completed. The floor was designated for external client and partner meetings, training sessions, and a project space. Adapting Seqwater’s existing design style guide, Axiom modernised the space while maintaining coherence with the other Seqwater floors within the building. The design highlighted Seqwater’s operations and facilities through carefully selected glazing graphics, artifacts, and artworks.
Given the previous fit-out was relatively new, we focused on sustainability by retaining and repurposing existing elements where feasible. Key sustainable practices included:
- 67.5% retention of existing ceilings, covering 513m² (247m² removed or changed).
- 61% retention of existing joinery, with 8 out of 13 joinery items retained or repurposed.
- 37% retention of existing carpet, preserving spaces including the project area, a 12-person meeting room, and two 6-person meeting rooms.
- 16% of the floorplate retained in its original built form, including the kitchen/breakout area and meeting rooms.
Project Management
The Axiom Project Manager navigated several challenges throughout a tight time frame spanning over the Christmas period in 2023, which required meticulous coordination and efficient problem-solving. A major hurdle was upgrading the non-compliant electrical infrastructure and lighting, which necessitated an overhaul of the tenancy distribution board. Additionally, the existing ventilation system was inadequate for the intended use, prompting significant mechanical upgrades and modifications.Despite these challenges, the team demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Midway through the project, Axiom's site Manager, took over site management, resolving communication issues with trades and accelerating progress. However, delays in furniture delivery and subpar quality of operable wall installations required ongoing resolution.
The Results
Seqwater expressed high satisfaction with the completed project, awarding Axiom a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 9/10. They commended the team for being collaborative, responsive, and for fully understanding the brief. The client's confidence in Axiom’s delivery was underscored by the emphasis on sustainable practices, as the project maximised the reuse and repurposing of existing built forms and joinery.
Conclusion
The successful completion of the Seqwater office fitout at 200 Creek Street, Brisbane, is a testament to Axiom Workplaces' ability to deliver comprehensive workplace solutions to suit a variety of industries. Our strategic approach, commitment to sustainability, and effective project management ensured a seamless transformation that supports Seqwater’s operational needs and reflects their values.
Photography Credit: Anthony Fretwell
