Architecture, building planning and interior design can have an incredible impact on the occupants of a space. In corporate environments, the transformational effect of thoughtful design can create significant business efficiencies, elevate engagement, improve job satisfaction, foster better collaboration between teams and champion new, agile ways of working. Coca-Cola Amatil’s new office design is an excellent example of that potential realised.

Based in a commercial building on Mount Street on Sydney’s North Shore, Coca-Cola Amatil engaged global design agency Unispace to undertake the strategy, design and delivery of their workplace refurbishment. As storage solutions would play an important role in the functionality of the overall redesign, Unispace worked with CSM, Australian market leader in manufacturing high quality storage, to create aesthetically pleasing yet functional locker systems.

Following a thorough and strategic upfront briefing process, the design team was in a position to carefully assess the spatial requirements of the project and found that the workspace could be downsized from six to five floors and still comfortably accommodate the company employees. In order to redesign and downsize occupied space without disrupting the business’ day-to-day, the project was completed in stages and a complex stacking program that saw one of the levels utilised as a transition floor was implemented.

Excellent forward planning and in-depth strategic analysis of the project requirements and potential meant that it was completed on time, without interruption and also contributed to saving the client millions of dollars in rent a year.

However, while the initial objective of the project focused on exploring ways in which the existing space could be used more efficiently, it quickly evolved beyond efficiencies and into aligning the space more closely with the values Coca-Cola Amatil represents. As a global FMCG market leader powering happiness, the client envisioned for the space to reflect their impressive business credentials but also be an empowering and inspiring environment to work in.

Beyond evoking the idea of powering happiness, the five-floor transformation was designed with flexibility and longevity in mind. The previously traditional layout featuring executive offices and workstations was transformed into a modern agile workspace fostering flexibility and greater collaboration between teams.

Working closely with Unispace, CSM were able to propose a premium-grade storage solution that precisely reflects the project’s design objectives. CSM Integrated 4 Door Locker Modules are designed specifically for modern, agile workspaces. Their modular design means the lockers can be reconfigured or changed at any stage, while their modern aesthetic elevates the character of any contemporary commercial space. Finished in a sleek laminate, the lockers bring a luxurious feel to the space, while the sturdy steel ensured a lasting product that guarantees excellent quality for years to come.

The new space certainly left CocaCola Amatil thrilled with the results by not only making it a financially neutral arrangement for the client but, more importantly, by encouraging better team collaboration, bringing more joy into the workspace and making it a place people truly want to work in. The project was also widely recognised by industry experts – the redesign was awarded the Gold Award in the Interior Design Corporate category of the 2019 Sydney Design Awards.