Exploring recent workplace trends
Category: News
Marchese Partners | Life3A has a proven track record of delivering a diverse range of projects in the commercial sector, from creating innovative new office buildings to revitalising and upgrading existing structures. Recent projects underscore varied client needs while contributing to the recent evolution of workplace sector.
Boutique Office Buildings
While large-scale commercial buildings are less prevalent in the post-COVID commercial sector, we are still seeing smaller boutique buildings being developed for owner-occupiers. One such example is our recently completed commercial building at 280 Railway Parade in Carlton, NSW.
This 4,000m² NLA building, located in a suburban area, exemplifies the purpose-built approach, where some businesses see greater value in investing in their own workplace asset rather than continuing to rent.
This building was specifically designed to suit the owner-occupier’s needs. It includes several workplace lifestyle features and third places, such as a rooftop terrace, open ground-floor lobby café, and integrated end-of-trip facilities.
Mixed-Use Innovation
Another recently completed medium-sized office building at 8 Dumaresq Street in Campbelltown NSW, was designed as part of a mixed-use tower. The Campbelltown building combines living, working, and shopping within a single structure. This typology, while rooted in historical urban design, resonates with the current zeitgeist. It addresses the growing desire for proximity between living and working spaces, fostering an improved work-life balance. This innovative yet timeless approach reflects a contemporary vision for urban living.
Adaptive Reuse: Carla Zampatti Headquarters
A significant adaptive reuse project for an iconic fashion brand and owner-occupier was completed in the second half of 2024. 82 Cope St, Waterloo, NSW is a new warehouse workplace for Carla Zampatti, serving as the company’s headquarters now. The space blends old and new, creating a chic and efficient workspace for their design and manufacturing operations. This project highlights the value of adaptive reuse. Transforming an existing building into a dynamic workspace that preserves its heritage while meeting modern needs. By repurposing structures, we contribute to sustainable practices while creating spaces that inspire creativity and innovation.
Strategic Upgrades:
The way we work has changed, prompting the need for existing office buildings to adapt to new user requirements. This shift has created ongoing opportunities to improve and future-proof commercial asset. At Marchese Partners | Life3A, we have several office upgrade projects underway. Recently completed, the upgrade project for the Julius Avenue building serving as an excellent example for this type of work.
The lobby and level 3 office upgrade mark a series of targeted enhancements aimed at elevating the building’s function and appeal.
The lobby refurbishment has transformed the building’s presence and prestige creating a more welcoming entry experience. This was achieved by improving the finishes and details as well as clarifying formal and informal waiting areas in the lobby. New ceiling and lighting and warm timber cladding to the lift lobby created a clearer designation of spaces and circulation paths.
The upgraded office space was needed to lift a tired and outdated large fitted out floor. The interventions were minimal, but the impact was significant by creating a better reception area and more contemporary working floor. A number of screens and dividers were installed some with planting to bring life and greenery to the deep floor plates. New brighter paint finishes, and natural timber elements completed the transformation on a minimal budget.
A key focus was the introduction of unique breakout spaces, designed to offer flexibility and create a more dynamic, engaging office environment. These spaces were notably absent from the fit out’s original layout, limiting the functionality of the space.
These strategic improvements not only enhance the perception of existing office building but also increase functionality, resulting in higher tenant satisfaction. Such carefully planned improvements lead to long-term benefits, including increased financial performance and competitiveness in the market.
Along similar lines, Marchese Partners | Life3A is also refurbishing Zagame’s Place in Hawthorn Victoria. This dated boutique building is getting a full make over to re-position it to the market. This project also includes a coffee shop and private club like lobby lounge turning third space areas into a luxury lifestyle offering.
Office spaces remain in high demand as businesses continue to encourage their employees to come back to the office with improved workspaces, new technologies and engaging environments. Companies are looking for better locations, improvements to existing buildings, attractive fit-outs and diverse mix of spaces.
Recent projects reflect these trends in workplace and office building design and demonstrate our commitment to delivering thoughtful, innovative, and sustainable solutions in the commercial sector. Whether through new builds, adaptive reuse, or strategic upgrades, we continue to shape office environments that respond to today’s needs while anticipating tomorrow’s challenges.
If you’d like to learn more about these projects or discuss how we can bring our expertise to your next project please contact our commercial sector leaders in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.
Juergen Weigl in our Brisbane office: jweigl@marchesepartners.com
Lynsey Maloy in our Sydney office: lmaloy@marchesepartners.com
Rulla Asmar in our Melbourne office: rasmar@marchesepartners.com