This newly opened co-working space in Melbourne provides the perfect setting for social enterprises to make an impact with their work.
A landmark co-working space supporting social organisations – Our Community House – has recently opened its doors in North Melbourne. Interior architecture firm Studio Tate has transformed the former National Union of Workers headquarters into a thriving workspace for 60 employees. An additional 180 co-working desks are available by application for not-for-profit companies, government, philanthropic, corporate grantmakers and other enlightened businesses.
Within each of the four co-working zones in the building, there is a generous mix of private offices, open plan workstations and breakout settings, suggesting at the possibility of customising spaces depending on the tenant’s requirements.“Transformation was the central theme of our design narrative,” says Studio Tate principal interior designer Alex Hopkins. “We sought to create a space that provided a framework for the not-for-profit sector to evolve and grow, and drew inspiration from the transformative nature of art, colour, light and nature.”
“With limited resources, not-for-profits and social start-ups often work in less than desirable conditions, so the ‘house’ was an opportunity to demonstrate how intelligent design can positively impact communication, productivity and wellbeing in this sector,” adds Hopkins.
Our Community House is in many ways also the workplace of the future, incorporating amenities like parent and milk-expressing rooms, gender-neutral bathrooms, solar heating and cooling efficiencies, as well as waste management systems. The workspace also offers ergonomic sit-stand desks supporting a wide variety of tasks.
Denis Moriarty, Our Community Group founder and managing director, says, “By bringing likeminded individuals together and using design to encourage collaboration, information sharing can happen over the proverbial water cooler.”
With intelligent planning and by uniting two buildings, there is increased access to natural lighting. The efficiency of the workspace is elevated with strategically located utility and printing stations, storage lockers, end-of-trip facilities along with tea and coffee stations.
The design pays attention to employee wellbeing as well. The extensive use of indoor plants fosters biophilia creating a heightened connection with nature and the outdoors. What’s more, generous breakout spaces, communal areas, kitchen and dining spaces sit in tandem with informal meeting areas peppered throughout the work floor. The idea: encouraging impromptu conversation and collaboration.
There is a visible emphasis on raw materials and natural forms. A stunning highlight of this co-working space is Moriarty’s comprehensive art collection celebrating the exceptional natural beauty of the space.
The brutal concrete columns of the building have been softened by using colour blocks that also work to define zones. In another area, local street artist David Lee Pereira’s expansive mural makes an unforgettable impression.
Our Community House is a contemporary co-working space that does well to support community, helping social organisations put their best foot forward.
Read more stories on cutting-edge co-working spaces. And join our mailing list for weekly design inspo.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
Journey alongside Australian designer Ross Didier as he introduces a new chapter in the magical folklore of his iconic FABLE Collection.
An exciting new collaboration involving Autex Acoustics, Willie Weston and Lisa Waup colourfully brings First Nations design to high-performance acoustics.
Beau Fulwood and Alison Peach on returning to a low-tech, first-principles concept of design as a strategy to combat climate change.
Lacquered in warm timber tones and complemented by high-quality furniture and fixtures, the new HQ for Salta Properties is a home away from home.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
We spoke to Plus Architecture’s Chrisney Formosa about a string of recent Brisbane projects and what they might tell us about the city’s design evolution.
Explore the future of cancer treatment at the Australian Bragg Centre, where a revolutionary design by Woods Bagot integrates cutting-edge proton therapy with patient-centric features, including natural light and adaptive Verosol blinds, creating a space that merges innovation and empathy for a holistic healing journey.