ellivo (Places to Work & Connect)

The Refurbishment of Master Builders Queensland offices was a big step forward for the board and the staff and huge commitment to change. They were very open to what this might be and from the start we were aware of their heritage and importance to members and were determined to get the best result from the opportunity to design their new space.
We took the fitout team on a journey where we explored and filtered who they were, how they wanted to present to their community, and what mattered to them. This journey identified the essence that needed to hold true throughout the whole fitout which included a long proud heritage, craftmanship both now and of the past, quality of workmanship, functionality, connection and remaining modest.
The exploration led us to considering their history and materials they work with. We created subtleties throughout the fitout utilising traditional and raw materials to remind visitors and staff of where they came from, what they work with and what they do. The subtleties extend across the teams and journey within the work spaces where you move from timber through copper, steel and brass details.
We were also very keen to bring staff together as much as possible to create conversations between teams, centralise breakout spaces and create some efficiencies to allow for team meeting rooms, and provide them with a space to congregate casually or retreat from their workspace. As a result, the majority of the lower ground floor is being repurposed as a refreshing outdoor café feeling staff area and extensive end of trip facilities.
The ground floor will also become the dedicated Members area – a space for them to utilise and enjoy. There are a series of multipurpose rooms that can combine to host events of all sizes. This floor displays the history of past Presidents and tools that were used in their craft and plays on their Logo and connection to the built form throughout.
The journey through the fitout moves through a series of palettes driven by materials of the various crafts with detailing playing on the finishing details of the past that created who Master builders are today. Through exploration and understanding of the users this fitout should stand the test of time like the industry they represent.

Photography by Sam Thies & Josh Thies

The building’s form seeks to be bold, minimalistic and timeless – designed to be efficient for both buildability and capacity.

Natural light and landscape is incorporated without comprising floor yield, to ensure a sense of calmness and tranquillity, supportive of the building’s Medical purpose. The building’s open corner addresses the main entry, with well-shaded balconies wrapping the upper floor, allowing for a private retreat for workers without disconnection from the ground plane. Double height atriums open both to sky and planters below seeking to breathe life into the building – trees are able to grow through atrium voids which are decorated with seating plinths at ground level.

The chosen material palette draws inspiration from the surrounding industrial context. It plays with a juxtaposition of textures through raw materials such as brick, concrete, steel and plywood.

We owe the success of the project to the strong support of our open-minded client and supportive builder, who worked with us seamlessly throughout the project to ensure the quality and vision of the project was upheld.

Our brief was therefore twofold, create a sleek commercial podium, and a multi-residential upper that responds to the transitionary nature of the site.

We drew upon early 20th century modernism as inspiration for the simple yet bold forms of the façade. Bands of concrete frame the showroom, which is softened by a double height curved glass façade that is grounded by a garden. The curved glass wall draws residents & visitors into the entry, giving back space and volume to the street and giving a sense of openness to the street.

A simple material pallet of concrete, glass, steel, metal cladding & vegetation create a balance between a commercial aesthetic podium and a human scale level of detail for the residential component above.

We used subtropical design fundamentals including vegetation, flow through ventilation, natural light & solar control to make sure we created a high-quality living environment for the residents & commercial tenants. This includes a communal recreation space on the roof with a pool and steam room to offer a meeting place for residents.

This is a very young and vibrant business, bursting with enthusiasm that we were very excited by the first time we listened to their vision for their move to much larger premises.  Taking over a largely existing floor we had a modest budget with which to create their dream – the arrival to a law firm that was to be very AJ & Co.

From the lift doors opening on level 18 of Waterfront Place the foyer opens up through their arrival area to river and city views. There is no reception welcome, just a welcoming space, iPad sign in and then onto the lounge. Complete with bar and spaces to meet and relax, the space is to be shared and enjoyed.

Their desire to demonstrate integrity and openness is embedded within their new home. From the moment you step inside the front door the client area is open and has views to Newstead beyond and the newly refurbished historical Gasometer. The combination of smoky glass, polished concrete, concrete, plywood and leather provides comfort and texture in the detailing and a most warm welcome.

Aerocare have a proud history in Australia and New Zealand as a leading independent ground handling company. They were keen for their surroundings to demonstrate to others what they do and their enthusiasm. It was critical to us to include their sense of fun and let this fitout become part of the brand. Together we took a creative approach to work spaces in conjunction with them and the developer (landlord).

Harnessing the concrete and blockwork surrounds, the natural light and their strong aeronautical links, this inspired the selections, colours and elements within. Passion and energy was delivered through installations, graffiti mural and the ‘escape’slide which connects the two levels and defines in the built form who they are.

Our brief was to create a space that will balance function, utilise natural light, deliver the best out of their modest budget and provide a welcoming environment for staff and patients alike. The clinic sits on the second floor of a large office building and is easily accessible with onsite parking. As you enter through the ground level, there is the option to choose either the lift or use the entrance to the grand staircase that leads to two different receptions on to the floor plate which is over 1000m2. The fitout is light filled and open-aired, balancing a refined yet young personality. Featuring pops of colour to retain branding, feature timber panelling and wall dividers for warmth and directing clientele, and feature lighting in the stairwell and reception all create a more homely feel for staff and patients.

The 2011 design of Ellivo’s new office fit-out has provided us with an amazing opportunity to demonstrate our core values and creativity to our industry. The new facility in the centre of Fortitude Valley is designed to embrace who we are, what we enjoy creating and ultimately to provide a professional environment for design. Our spaces connect with our clients and staff challenge and inspire them on an ongoing basis. We sought out the space as an empty shell as this allowed us flexibility in our design and maximum expression of ourselves.  The space provides our key requirements of natural daylight, street presence and accessibility to our clients. The fit-out represents us as a firm, where the work space is energetic, bright and alive. There are numerous different volumes and types of meeting spaces that combine many ideas and capture the different ways in which we function as an office.