Chessell Street

A single storey 1930’s brick factory adjacent to a bluestone side laneway was purchased with a view to conversion into a design studio. An independent steel frame was inserted that supported the mezzanine floor to accommodate up to 30 workstations with daylight through skylights and windows on 2 sides. A range of meeting and collaborative spaces cluster under the mezzanine with sliding screens allowing flexibility of use and daylight penetration.

The question of excellence is sometimes best answered by the users of this space: the recreation from staff, clients and collaborators has been resounding and genuine in their enjoyment of this workspace. For a building with limited window walls and outlook, the amount of natural light into the space particularly at ground level is a significant achievement. Wellbeing and carbon footprint are considered. Three showers, with lockers and storage provided for bicycles allows most staff to arrive under their own steam. Greening of the space and social calendar keep energy levels high and a sparkling culture. Rainwater is harvested to flush WC’s, structure is exposed reducing building materials.