The Schiavello Group was commissioned to deliver an office fitout for
their client Ferrier Hodgson in Melbourne.
Having moved from Level 29 to Level 43 of 600 Bourke Street, Ferrier
Hodgson decided to use the opportunity to refresh its physical environment, and
sought to create a vibrant and inspiring new workplace that encouraged
collaboration, team building and corporate pride.
Designed by Graham Nicholas, and executed by Schiavello Construction, the
fitout project was also supported by Heritage Glass, a Schiavello subsidiary in
the internal glass partition work.
To emphasise the contrast between focused, individualised work and
highly social and collaborative teamwork, the design uses a black and white
graphic play on precision versus complexity, to match the diversity of the work
and people using the space.
A key objective of the client’s brief was to encourage team building and
collaboration, which was met by developing collaborative areas such as a breakout
area featuring a bold graphic floor finish and sweeping punches of colour and
subtle texture with furniture, slatted ceiling and residential inspired joinery
to represent the theme of interconnectivity and teamwork. Meeting rooms are
streamlined and seamless in functionality, with dividing walls replaced by
cleverly placed furniture and joinery.
The location of the office on a higher level in the building opened up the
space to panoramic views of the Melbourne city skyline. The designer introduced
workplace elements that enhanced and framed the vistas instead of blocking them
out. Schiavello worked with the designer Graham Nicholas to develop a custom,
pencil thin glazing frame to ensure views were accessible from every angle.
Schiavello drew upon their deep knowledge and experience in workplace
fitouts to work collaboratively with all agencies involved in the project, consulting
with the client and designer on decisions, and managing a diverse range of
hand-picked contractors to achieve the desired outcomes.
