In Melbourne’s central business district, known for its urban pulse and skyscraper-lined streets, Holder East has introduced a new headquarters that offers a contrasting atmosphere. Located at 170 Queen Street and designed by Fender Katsalidis, an international design firm renowned for its diverse global portfolio, the new workspace aims to serve as a calm and harmonious environment.

According to Karen Morris, Fender Katsalidis associate principal, the objective for the design was to create “a tranquil, timeless office, suitable for entertaining clients and visitors.” This design brief has been realised through a carefully planned layout and material choices.

A dominant feature of the headquarters is its toned-down palette, described by Morris as “a light, bright tonal environment that juxtaposed the urban backdrop of Melbourne’s CBD.” A noteworthy implementation is at the ceiling level, where exposed existing services, such as ductwork, have been treated and set within a clearly defined zone. Morris explains that this approach “ensured a balance was created between the industrial envelope and refined materials, creating a layered and rich space.”

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Upon entering the building, visitors encounter an open, naturally-lit area marked by sculptural furnishings and brass-accented joinery. Venetian plaster walls, fine-grain terrazzo tiles and light linen drapery are consistently featured, contributing to a calm and elegant visual language.

Functional design aspects are not overlooked, particularly in creating key sightlines to aid the office’s spatial flow. The breakout space features a kitchen and bar area with a generous stone bench and tonal grey cabinetry. This zone serves as a gathering point for both clients and staff. Morris adds, “The monolithic structure of the [kitchen] bench creates a beautiful anchor point for the space that people are intuitively drawn towards.”

Lighting, crucial in any design, is amplified by large steel-framed partitions along corridors that enable natural light to disperse throughout the office. This feature aligns with the architectural elements of the building and serves a dual purpose in aesthetics and functionality.

Beyond the areas visible to visitors, the Holder East team operates in an open-plan environment complemented by a range of meeting rooms and private offices. The office fit-out was completed in late 2022, conceived during the pandemic and developed primarily online.

Fender Katsalidis
fkaustralia.com

Photography
Courtesy of Fender Katsalidis

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