Set in the heart of Brunswick in Melbourne, the latest collective space designed and operated by HIP V. HYPE is a shared workspace with a difference. The second studio for the design studio and sustainability consultancy, the new Barkly Street Collective brings together like-minded professionals all with the aim of creating better products, services, systems and buildings for the future.

Envisioned as more than just a workspace, the Barkly Street Collective has been conceived as a product showroom and event space all while ensuring an ethical approach to design. All materials and products have been thoughtfully selected with responsible sourcing of materials and a keen eye on ensuring low embodied energy. For HIP V. HYPE, a core motivation for designing, building and running the space is to foster collaboration while ensuring sustainable workplace options remain in a rapidly changing inner-city suburb.

When describing the desired outcome of Barkly Street Collective, the teams says: “We want the spaces that people spend most of their days in to be generous, healthy and enjoyable. Central to that is ensuring they are sustainable, well appointed and focused on harnessing a synergistic community. A decent playlist and an open dog policy are also pretty important.”

The HIP V. HYPE team partnered with a selection of local and some international manufacturers to bring an astute level of quality and longevity into each item that was specified.

The exterior of the building features distinctive timber-framed, double-glazed windows by Binq, an element that allows cross-ventilation through the space along with natural light. Both being features that promote healthy buildings and healthy inhabitants.

The space also come fully equipped with a kitchen, designed in collaboration with Cantilever Interiors and fitted out with V-ZUG appliances. The materiality of the kitchen anchors the space, featuring wire-brushed blackbutt veneer joinery and a stainless steel benchtop. An end of trip facility has been integrated, encouraging users of the space to cycle or exercise – another space featuring high quality and durable brands such as Artedomus tiles and Brodware tapware.

Barkly Street Collective has succeeded in being a collective workspace that embodies its ethos and aligns like-minded businesses and brands.

Photography by Tess Kelly.

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