Arcadis Melbourne workplace achieves World Leadership in Sustainable Interiors.
GEYER VALMONT had the opportunity to continue a long-standing partnership with Arcadis, delivering their Melbourne workplace. This new workplace has since been recognised by the Green Building Council of Australia as demonstrating world leadership in sustainable interiors. Arcadis’ business is built on a reputation of sustainability leadership, and with a company mission to “improve quality of life”, GEYER VALMONT were tasked to design and deliver a workplace that embodied and enhanced Arcadis’ globally leading ESG standards. We’re proud that the highest possible recognition has been achieved, with a 6 Star Green Star certification awarded.
GEYER VALMONT was selected as the design partner for Arcadis’ ambitious workplace project, due to our reputation for delivering pioneering design, with certainty. Our unique, integrated design and delivery approach and end-to-end in-house capability allowed us to tailor a solution that was purpose-fit for Arcadis. With like-minded goals to do more with less, and our progressive approach to problem solving, we were proud to reflect Arcadis’ ethos and provide them with a space that improves their team’s quality of life.
The project began with a comprehensive strategic design phase. The hierarchy of the built environment was purposefully arranged to captivate the welcome visitor and enhance the employee entrance. Front of house is placed on display and as you move through the entrance all visitors are greeted by an avenue of civic spaces (all modular and flexible in configuration), supported by a barista outpost and fully equipped kitchen. A highly acoustic meeting room pavilion buffers the open spaces on either side. The process zones were afforded abundant natural light by virtue of their considered position against the façade. Biophilic integration within modular screening elements integrated nature into the workplace and encouraged connection between people and nature.
Extensive material re-use was core to the success of the workplace, with up to 75% of the materials being repurposed, including 98% of carpets being re-used, and 61% of materials sourced locally. In addition, any new materials had strong ESD specifications.
To create the cleanest, freshest work environment possible, 100% of all internally applied paints, adhesives and sealants were low VOC, and engineered wood was avoided. Outdoor pollutants are controlled in the space through an innovative ventilation system, whilst temperature and carbon dioxide sensors are monitored throughout the perimeter and central zones. Natural plants were placed throughout to assist with the quality of the internal air, as well as helping the team feel in touch with nature.
Responsible materials selection was key to achieving a 6 Star certification, with 95% of all timber used certified by a forest certification scheme. In addition, all permanent formwork, pipes, flooring blinds and cables meet the GBCA’s Best Practice Guidelines for PVC.
By implementing efficient lighting that is monitored and managed to limit consumption, the lighting power density of the fitout is 21.7% less than the NCC maximum illumination power. This provides a substantial environmental benefit and sets a new standard for what can be achieved in workplace design.
The workplace being in an ESG accredited building, Queen and Collins Street Melbourne, created the perfect foundation for our sustainable workplace vision. The design strategically reuses the majority of the base building shell, introducing new elements only to enhance the function and feel of the space.
At the heart of the design are the contextually relevant and thoughtful design moments. Conceived to reflect both the local Melbourne context and the industrial nature of Arcadis as a global engineering company, the fitout featured exposed services, industrial steel cladding and expanded metal mesh ceiling panels to imbue the space with a solid industrial aesthetic.
This was tempered by the introduction of Tasmanian oak panelling, leather and fabric upholsteries, planting and locally commissioned indigenous artwork, resulting in spaces that are both impactful and accessible.
As part of the project, we engaged with indigenous organisations including Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, and The Torch, to select reconciliation actions specific to the project including indigenous artwork, welcome projection and room naming schemes. The result is a unique workplace that invites a sense of local pride and authenticity.
All planning and delivery activities were driven by our commitment to a sustainable future, and this project exemplifies this ethos. Environmental management was critical throughout the delivery, with detailed management plans being recognised as industry-leading. A comprehensive Environmental Management Plan (EMP) was in place for the project as well as a system that ensured appropriate planning, implementation and auditing throughout, to ensure conformance.
