Previously based in a derelict, small site at Parramatta, State Water required a new office space that met the needs of its workers and encouraged interaction and collaboration.

It needed to provide a large and welcoming space for project teams, with members brought together from around New South Wales, to work on projects for a number of months at a time.

A 1960s office block on Clarence Street in the CBD was chosen to house the new facility.

The design is based around 3 key zones – collaboration, thinking and break-out.

Bookcases are cleverly used as partitions to maintain a sense of openness, while also delineating the separate zones and providing easy access to resource materials.

Living walls and graphic panels are also used to break up the space.

The graphic panels, emblazoned with topography-inspired designs and water-related keywords, reinforce the State Water mission and create a sense of identity and belonging.

The 1960s heritage of the building is reflected in the office interior through vibrant colour and the retro flavour of the furniture.

Dark ceilings tone down the overall effect.

The focal part of the new space is what the designers call the Kitchen Table, inspired by the idea of the kitchen being the heart of the home.

A large primary project table is fitted out with all the tools and mod cons required for contemporary collaboration, but resembles a kitchen table rather than a boardroom table, with chairs that wouldn’t be out of place in a café or dining room.

It provides a perfect space for brainstorming and teamwork.

The new office has received an extremely positive reaction from State Water employees, reflecting its effectiveness as a modern contemporary workspace that embodies its company’s philosophy and inspires its workers.

IA Group
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