Creating a fitout for a landmark building is a unique opportunity and an immense responsibility. For this workplace project at International House – Australia’s first engineered timber commercial building – respect for the architecture was at the heart of the design process.
At the time of completion, International House set a new benchmark in the use of sustainable building materials in the Asia Pacific region. But, the building is significant in many ways because it is also the gateway to Barangaroo - Sydney’s prestigious new commercial precinct.
HASSELL showcased the bones of the building yet still responded to the client’s need for a welcoming, informal, connected workplace that celebrates the ingenuity and innovation of its employees.
HASSELL approached the project as though it was part of a heritage building. That meant revealing – not concealing – the inherent beauty and intricacy of the architecture, defined by cross-laminated timber and Glulam timber beams.
The workplace fulfils the company’s need for a flexible and diverse working environment. Employees can choose from a range of work settings from collaborative spaces to individual focus pods, depending on their task. The various areas have a distinctive look and feel to delineate between the different activities, creating an intuitive user experience.
A dedicated client floor welcomes visitors with a multifunction open space, flexible conference and meeting rooms, and an in-house barista kiosk.