Reducing the environmental footprint of Perth’s new and existing office stock has become a major commitment for landlords, developers, architects and tenants alike; and now interior designers are finding themselves part of the equation.
Newmont Mining Corporation Ltd’s consideration of the environment was the key to HBO+EMTB finding an interior design solution for the miner’s new boutique office at The Colonnade in Hay Street, Subiaco.
Bought by Hawaiian in 2005, The Colonnade has undergone a major redevelopment into a commercial office, fashion retail and fitness hub.
Completed late last year, the $4 million fitout for anchor tenant Newmont combines energy efficient lighting, modular floor coverings, and a solar passive layout over two floors.
HBO+EMTB senior interior designer Nadia Paulse said its client was motivated by the need to relocate local and interstate staff to one central location, and into space that was energy efficient and designed for longevity.
Ms Paulse said the irregular shapes and angles of the base building presented challenges for the 4,600 square metre tenancy fitout, however the interior design and architecture practice achieved a flexible interior space with open plan and closed office areas, centralised shared facilities, meeting rooms, and breakout areas.
Modular furniture and workstations are also incorporated so staff members can adjust the kit-of-parts to suit personal preferences and working styles.
“Our design aesthetic created an open, clear and light work environment for Newmont,” Ms Paulse said.
“The corporate palette of finishes and textures still captures the essence of the gold mining business, and marries well with The Colonnade architecture.”
An integral part of the project’s sustainable aims was the use of modular flooring, which allows for easy maintenance and replacement of damaged tiles.
The team at HBO+EMTB recently won a sustainable design award for their treatment of the InterfaceFLOR I2 range of carpet tiles, which the American-based flooring company is claiming are carbon neutral.
Ms Paulse said it integrated the “I2 Entropy” tiles throughout the fitout, including an internal staircase, to reduce energy costs and environmental impact on the built form.
