Boutique interior design firm, Esoteriko, has taken on the formidable challenge of designing The Rubinstein Group’s latest headquarters, balancing sophistication with functionality. Located at the apex of New South Head and Dover Road in Sydney’s prestigious Rose Bay, the site occupies the ground and first floor of a multi-residential development by Clutch Capital.

The headquarters is anchored by a simple yet flexible floorplan; however, the irregular-shaped footprint served as a constraint during the design process. Esoteriko carved a series of functional zones into the angular building, serving a dual purpose of both private and semi-private spaces, to maximise the available space.

Spanning 273 square metres, the suite of spaces comprises an array of team-based workstation zones, three private offices, three boardrooms, two semi-private quiet zones and an essential tea point, kitchen, powder room and bathroom.

The low-level concealed light reflects the subdued lustre of the polished Venetian plaster walls, while the illuminated resin desk partitions revitalise the workstation area at the rear of the ground floor, transforming it into a sleek and inviting space. The upholstered nooks act as ‘phone booths’ for semi-private calls.

The colour and material palettes reflect the hues and texture of the nearby harbourside bay. Curved partitions and existing columns morph into the floor and ceiling to emulate the appearance of rippling waves. The terrazzo floors pay homage to the shifting sands and metallic accents found along the water’s edge, mechanically grouted for maximum precision.

As a standout feature, the spiral staircase then resembles the shape of a nautilus shell. Its sculptural form is a response to the design objective that the team’s movement through the space be visible from the streetscape and, as a result, enhanced the overall layout and cohesion of the office. The delicate lines of the seashell are further explored in the rounded balustrade, and bullnose and shark-nose joinery details.

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The striking presence of a quartzite stone kitchen island stands sharply against the muted hues of the interiors; however, it was designed purely for function. Social interaction is reserved for the balconies positioned at the front and rear of the building, landscaped by Wyer & Co and intended as lunchtime destinations.

The headquarters are elevated with white concrete basins, a reception desk crafted from micro-cement render and Moroccan zellige bathroom tiles. Variations in translucency are evident throughout the resin joinery, kitchenette, bathrooms, and workstation partitions, fostering a subdued yet pearly luminescence. The design of the TRG headquarters provides a calming backdrop reminiscent of sitting on the dock of a bay.

Esoteriko
esoteriko.org

Photography
David Wheeler unless credited otherwise

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