HWL Ebsworth Melbourne

Graham Nicholas has continued our long term relationship with HWL Ebsworth with the design and project management of their new workplace in Melbourne.

HWL Ebsworth has taken the opportunity to relocate to an iconic office development at 447 Collins Street. The new workplace is spread over three large floor plates and includes a generous outdoor terrace overlooking Collins Street.

The design brief for the reception, client greeting and meeting space was for a warm, welcoming, yet professional feel.  A suite of meeting rooms surrounds a formal reception and waiting lounge. Five large conference rooms with operable dividing walls occupy the premier view position and give the client flexibility to change meeting room sizes. These rooms connect to provide a large space for seminars or client entertainment, supported by a catering kitchen and furniture store.

The GN design team has developed the materials and colour palette adopted for previous HWLE projects, with selected elements altered to suit the new context. A formerly dark colour palette has been lightened to reflect the lower levels of daylight typically experienced in Melbourne. Dark floor tiles have given way to large format, sand coloured slabs and the colours of the custom made rug shifted from a grey palette to a warmer, earth toned range. Bronze anodised battens and wall panels that take their cue from the base building lift lobby have been introduced.

A central staff breakout and a second flexible meeting zone, in addition to work space, are located on the middle floor. Both these areas are contiguous with the outdoor terrace and enjoy abundant natural light and street views. Although the work space is provided with tea points, it is hoped that staff will primarily use the central breakout at lunch times, and for casual internal meetings. Staff on adjacent floors can access the central level via the stairwells.

The combined staff breakout and terrace is also designed as a function space for conferences and client entertainment. The terrace facilities include furniture, barbecues and outdoor heating that enable year round use.