The Zen Den Legal Office, located in Melbourne's Central Business District, is a thoughtfully redesigned workspace by Fred Architecture. This transformation converted a series of uninspiring, cramped offices into a serene and functional environment that harmoniously blends modern elegance with energy efficiency. The project was highly commended at the Sustainability Awards 2024 in the Commercial Architecture (Small) category.

Drawing inspiration from the client's appreciation for Japanese culture and martial arts, the design incorporates minimalist principles and natural materials to cultivate a tranquil atmosphere. Key design elements are aligned along an east-west axis, featuring floorboards laid in this direction, matching Tasmanian oak joinery, and acoustic timber ceiling battens. Existing north-facing openings have been utilised to maximise natural light and ventilation, enhancing the sense of openness within the space.

Architecture & Design: Why do you think you were honoured for your entry?

Fred Architecture: The Zen Den was recognised for successfully balancing creativity and sustainability to meet our client’s unique vision. We embraced his needs for a harmonious, efficient workspace by leveraging sustainable practices, such as enhancing the building envelope, adhering to Green Star principles, and sourcing environmentally responsible materials. This approach demonstrated how a workplace can integrate refined Japanese-inspired aesthetics with sustainable innovations, like passive solar design and tailored solutions for complex elements. By prioritising occupant wellbeing and environmental performance, the Zen Den emerged as a benchmark for comfort and sustainable workplace design.

What did your entry add to the body of knowledge of sustainable design?

The Zen Den highlights how older buildings can be retrofitted with sustainable solutions that deliver exceptional results. By employing passive solar strategies, advanced insulation, and energy-efficient systems—including openable double-glazed windows and upgraded air conditioning—it achieved notable reductions in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the seamless integration of cultural influences and low VOC, ethically sourced materials illustrates that sustainable design can enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal. This project is a practical guide for transforming outdated spaces into efficient, elegant environments, enriching the discourse on sustainable interior design.

Has your entry influenced the way you will design buildings in the future?

Absolutely. This project underscored the importance of creative adaptability and meticulous planning in sustainable design. Tackling challenges like restricted site access, assembling oversized features on-site, and upgrading key building systems taught us to innovate effectively. The success of blending energy-efficient principles with culturally inspired design has motivated us to further explore the intersection of sustainability and beauty in future work. The Zen Den has reinforced our commitment to designing spaces that excel in functionality, sustainability, and elegance.

This category is sponsored by Verosol.

Image: Zen Den Legal Office by Fred Architecture

Clémence Carayol

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