The new Myer National Support Office has achieved a 5 star Green Star — Office Design (v2) certified rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
Influenced by one of retail’s great classics, the Chanel perfume box, the new Myer workplace is contained in a simple, timeless box.
Inside the building tells a story of 100 years of retailing whilst providing a 21st century environment.
James Grose, national director of BVN Architecture, sought a contrast to the many shapes and colours of new buildings crowding around Melbourne’s docklands.
"Myer needed a strong identity — not one that competes with its surroundings but one that stands in contradistinction," he says.
"We set out to design a precisely detailed building that was silky smooth and razor sharp in its language of minimalism, modernity and elegance."
Myer’s vision was to create a light, flexible, connected and productive working environment for its team members and was captured throughout the building with a large amount of open and shared spaces.
Buro North worked closely with BVN to develop the lift lobby way-finding and finishes. For example, on level six where the 1950-60’s are featured, there is a focus on abstract expression and the heightened level of creative expression in the arts.
Sustainability initiatives for the project include an east facing atrium with connecting stair, maximising natural light penetration and reducing lift use. There is also a gas-fired cogeneration plant which will produce about 30 per cent of the base building electricity requirements.
Developed by Lend Lease Development working in conjunction with Myer, the project was managed and constructed by Bovis Lend Lease and designed by BVN Architecture in conjunction with Lend Lease.
