As an architectural icon, Australia Square, has had many ‘firsts’- like being the first modern office tower in Sydney to truly embrace the use of outdoor public space. So, it’s no surprise that Australia Square has unveiled what it calls its end of trip facilities, designed as a sustainable space for tenants to refresh, refocus and refuel.
Aptly named, ‘The Icon,’ the facilities have been purposefully-designed to embrace active modes of transport to work, transforming Australia Square into a key office destination in 2018.
Designed by architects, Bokor Architecture and Interiors, and project managed by Cerno Management, The Icon is being touted for its Wellness Centre and focus on sustainability and health.
“The Icon will ensure Australia Square, which celebrated its 50th birthday last year, will continue to offer the highest-quality amenities for any office tower in Sydney. It is a testament to the building’s ground-breaking design that it remains one of Sydney’s most sought-after office addresses,” says Matthew Faddy, head of Office & Logistics at GPT Group, along wirth Drexus, the owners of Australia Square.
Sustainability was a major consideration throughout the design process, playing a significant role in the material selection and construction of the project.
Timber-look laminates are mounted on environmentally-friendly substrates, while the bike storage area sees durable rubber flooring made from recycled car tyres.
“It was extremely important to us that the design elements and timeless elegance found in the original design of the building would still be a feature in any contemporary updates we made to the building,” says Marianne Bokor, director at Bokor Architecture and Interiors.
“We included subtle links back to the building with the repeated circular motifs found in the vanity sinks, mirrors, lighting, coat hooks and signage.”
Workplace health and wellbeing is vital to the Australia Square community say the designers, with The Icon designed to provide tenants with facilities that focus on the wellbeing of its occupants both physically and mentally.
With cyclists ever more apparent, tenants will have access to 122 bike racks, a bike repair station; including tyre air pump, tools and secure storage facilities.
Currently under construction by Sydney council, the surrounding areas of Australia Square will see additional and safe bike lanes, encouraging tenants to ride to work, reducing carbon waste and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Further promoting health and wellbeing, Australia Square tenants will have exclusive access to lunch time classes, including HIIT, yoga, pilates and mindful meditation on offer inside the Wellness Centre.
