August 2007

Vernacular elements like the skillion roof, the much loved Australian veranda and natural unprocessed materials such as stone and wood reflect the lifestyle and essence of living in rural Australia.

Designed to maximize the interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces, the Country Club provides not only a place for the golfers but also the surrounding community by providing a Community Hub and associated facilities.

The brief included a separation of the front and back of house. The front of house features a Boardroom, Big Star and Little Fish meeting rooms. The use of warm deep timbers, soft grey stone tiles and lightweight screening panels creates a sleek yet inviting environment in which to conduct business.

To add interest and a unique identity to the front of house, specialized lighting was chosen to enhance the meeting rooms and entry foyer. A cardboard reception desk, designed by the architect, is positioned in the foyer, making a bold statement upon entry. A brag wall occupies an entire wall of the boardroom, with back-lit orange panels hinting at the company’s corporate colours.

The back of house includes office spaces, a staff soft room and general service spaces. The challenge was to create a light filled open office in a deep space that allowed acoustic privacy for each staff member. This was achieved by each office being fully enclosed by glass. Sliding doors open into a brightly lit 4m wide central hub space, forming an atmospheric, light, spacious meeting and discussion space.

The final product not only meets the brief, but exceeds the client’s expectations, with a 30% increase in staff productivity. This process reflects the creative and highly successful collaboration between client and architect.

A clever interplay of space underpins its design. The client brief was to create a functional workspace that was both inviting and contemporary, whilst retaining a sense of originality.

Beginning with the foyer and continuing throughout, is a resourceful unifying and integration of space. The foyer represents a flexible space that can easily transform from a private enclosed space to a large open entertaining area encompassing both the reception and the boardroom.

The recycled timber floor continues vertically up the face of two large pivot doors that enclose the reception and ingeniously swing open, transforming the space into one large welcoming area.

This idea is reinforced with an acoustic perforated ceiling that is continuous through the two spaces. The combined space is also split in two, lengthwise with a pietra grey marble floor running under a cantilevered wall with exposed concrete slab over to reflect the split in materials.

A feeling of spaciousness throughout ensures staffs enjoy ease of movement and comfort within their work environment. Adding to this, the palette of materials used are warm in colour and raw in nature to meet the clients aspirations to create a contemporary yet professional feel.

The interior layout compliments the inspired approach to the overall use of space. The layout is designed to split the space into four distinct zones – the private offices, general administration area, services and  front of house. Each zone retains an amalgamation between spaces without compromising on privacy and a sense of professionalism.