End-of-trip facilities have become a valuable amenity for workers in commercial buildings, as well as helping owners attract and retain tenants. While bicycle racks in the basement are appreciated, they are often not enough. CBRE’s Australia Occupier Survey 2019 found that building owners need to offer services such as wellness initiatives (on-site gyms, exercise classes, healthy food options), personal services and childcare facilities to attract businesses, differentiate themselves and offer more than just a place to work.

101 Collins has expanded and enhanced its end-of-trip facility, ONE, with RISE by Studio PP (founded by Olympic athlete Steph Prem). RISE provides tenants with a range of wellness and fitness services. It two multi-purpose studios for yoga, barre, TRX and Pilates classes, as well as four consulting suites for massage, physiotherapy and visiting allied health professionals.

Gray Puksand designed ONE and RISE, which are located within the repurposed basement of 101 Collins. Where ONE has a dark palette and square forms, RISE has a light and natural palette and soft curves, creating a strong distinction between the two. RISE also incorporates biophilic design elements, such as skylights, plantings and natural materials, to imbue the space with a sense of calm.  “We felt it was important to focus on user experience and positively engage all the senses,” says Dale O’Brien, lead designer and senior associate at Gray Puksand.

There is an open, light-filled relaxation space at the centre or RISE, surrounded by textured glass walls partitioning the studios, and half-timber-dowel walls enclosing the consultation rooms. Flowing curves and luminous lighting draw people into the luxe space, where there is suspended furniture and lush greenery in planters surrounded by bench seats.

Two funnel-like skylights ascending three metres to an open courtyard above bring daylight into the underground space, and ceiling edges taper and curve at the skylights to softly diffuse the light. Customised scents, soundscape design and lighting that mimics the circadian rhythm further promotes relaxation and engages the senses.

Office culture has changed in the last decade, and so has tenants’ requirements for the amenities they want commercial buildings to provide. RISE is the first of its type in a commercial office tower and setting a precedent for the way forward. The end-of-trip facility is helping workers at 101 Collins to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle, which has consequential benefits for employees and tenants.

“RISE has been a catalyst for a cultural shift within the 101 community, aligning with the shift in demographic and is having a positive impact on the way tenants are starting and spending their day,” says Dale. “Furthermore, there has been a dramatic increase in females using end-of-trip facilities since the opening of ONE.”

Photography by Shannon McGrath