Large Government Organisation

For many organisations, the opportunity to consolidate multiple locations into one large central workplace delivers important financial and cultural benefits. For government organisations, these benefits are often further magnified with fluctuating department sizes and budgets.  

Seeking a major unification, this large national government organisation consolidated 11 separately leased spaces across Brisbane into one new 43,000 square foot tower along Brisbane’s bustling North Quay precinct.  

Catering to a team of around 3,500 federal public servants across 28 floors, the design brief to Woods Bagot was one that centred around flexibility, future focus and collaboration.  

“They really wanted to provide a destination that empowers excellence and supports their people in their provision of simple, helpful, respectful and transparent services for all Australians,” explains Sarah Tyson, Senior Associate at Woods Bagot.  

“We spent a considerable amount of time interacting with business leaders from the very early onset of the project, in particular working through the unique functionality requirements of specialist floors.”  

Based on a three-floor ‘alternating stack’, the tower features a palette of greens, blues and terracotta interconnected with a central staircase. Inspiration for the finishes came from the base building itself, in particular the beautiful Juparana granite used throughout. The colour palettes are also designed to assist with navigation throughout the tower.  

Each floor has been zoned into four ‘neighbourhoods’, connected by a central threshold area comprised of meeting and focus rooms. Tranquil terrace areas with soft planting deliver additional space to recharge, while Level 30 is home to several multi-use rooms which can be opened to make way for large gatherings and town hall scenarios. This space connects to a spectacular rooftop terrace and kitchen area, allowing team members to take in the breathtaking views of the city skyline.  

A long-term client of Schiavello, this project was a step away from previous spaces delivered, largely thanks to the use of a range of bespoke seating solutions. Designed and manufactured in-house at Schiavello’s Tullamarine factory, the solutions include two styles of modular banquettes, collaboration lounges, Karo Ottomans and single seat Focus Booths.  

Used across a swathe of collaboration and breakout areas, the bespoke seating features custom sizing and upholstery finishes, selected to perfectly match the different colourways used across each level.  

“Like any space, there were some mixed reactions around the colour palettes, however I think once everything was finished and finalised and the furniture was in, the fabrics just worked so well together and within the space,” Sarah says.  

“To finally see the last piece of the puzzle come together with all the furniture complete, I think has really made it.” 

Back-to-back sit-to-stand Krossi Workstations were supplied across Resident (Team) Zones, providing important ergonomic support for employees. These are supported by wrap around Focus Panels, which create additional privacy by blocking visual and audio distractions within the open plan workspace.  

Versatile Aire Fold Tables were utilised in the training space, accompanied by clusters of Karo Ottomans in various shapes, sizes and shades of green. Aire Meeting Table then delivers a stylish yet comfortable space to gather within meeting rooms.   

As with any Government project, it was important for the products supplied to adhere to all relevant guidelines and procurement strategies.  

“There was a lot of back and forth around the certified products and making sure that everything was aligned to the Green Star requirements, and the client’s procurement processes as well,” explains Sarah.  

Photography by Kate Mathieson.