Westpac’s new headquarters in Perth is boasting agile working while embracing the relaxed tone and character of the local environment. The bank sought to create an adaptable, resilient and connected workplace, one that promotes the health and wellbeing of its employees. Westpac was relocating its employees from two separate buildings to the new office, so this was also seen as an opportunity to encourage a more collaborative working culture.
One of the main challenges of the project was that the refurbishment had to occur over three levels of Brookfield Place Tower 2, within a live office environment with minimal disruption to the existing tenants.
Comprehensive Services
The brief was to create a unique workplace, one that provided the settings and space for a dynamic and energised office culture based in Perth. The building has a range of flexible spaces, which include meeting rooms, collaboration spaces, private zones and multi-use breakout spaces. This is to offer a choice for people to work where they can be most productive as well as provide capacity for functions and events.
The fitout design embraces Perth’s culture, reflecting the relaxed tone and elements of the coastline. This creates an environment which connects staff to the local community. Custom lighting features employ a ‘circadian’ rhythm, reflecting the natural movement of the sun throughout the day, promoting health and wellness. Sculptured light features complement the thematic design.
A Creative Sense of Space
Our experts used Building Information Modelling (BIM) to demonstrate our intended layout for the main communications room. This meant the Westpac team could visualise the space and sign off on removing the raised floor. In turn, this enabled us to relocate the communications room.
We incorporated several wellbeing and sustainable initiatives to target a 6 Star Green Star Rating and Silver WELL Rating. These initiatives include:
- Highly efficient services design
- Automated lighting controls
- Low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints and finishes
- Plants for improved air quality
- Cradle-to-grave recycling schemes
- Sit-stand workstations
Industry Recognition
These truly agile headquarters have set a new benchmark within the Westpac Group portfolio. The workplace is enjoyable, inspiring and comfortable.
The project won the Best Building Fit-Out Award in the $20 million to $50 million category at the 2018 Master Builders-Bankwest Excellence in Construction Awards and a Silver at the 2018 Sydney Design Awards.
