Short description
The intersection of past, present and future in a dynamic, contemporary workspace.
Location
Manuka, ACT
Country
Ngunnawal
Status
Year
Project start date
2023
Project completed date
2024
Client
Voak
Project Team
Nappo Constructions
Brief
Workplace renovation within a heritage listed building.
Photography
Reusable Blocks Top
Content
A future-focused workspace set within the context of an important architectural legacy.
Set within the heritage‑listed Forrest Fire Station precinct, the Voak workplace transforms a neglected two‑storey interior into a contemporary environment that respects and revitalises its architectural legacy. Years of ad hoc additions and dark finishes were removed to reveal the building’s original form, bringing clarity and natural light back into the space. This careful stripping‑back creates a meaningful dialogue between past and present, allowing the new workplace to sit comfortably within its historic context while signaling a future‑focused direction for the organisation.
Content
The new fitout responds to the shifting demands of hybrid work by blending the ease of home with the professionalism of a contemporary office. A café‑style kitchen and travertine bar form an inviting social hub that encourages staff to gather throughout the day, while flexible work zones support both collaboration and focused productivity. Soft finishes, warm textures and carefully curated lighting create a relaxed yet refined atmosphere that aligns with Voak’s modern brand identity. The result is a workplace that feels familiar and comfortable, yet clearly future focused, and it sets the tone for the detailed interior moves explored below.
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Reusable Blocks
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Photography By Vanessa Smyth
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Photography By Vanessa Smyth
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Photography By Vanessa Smyth
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Content
A calm, contemporary environment defined by natural light, warm materials and a focus on everyday usability.
The interiors build on this foundation with a focus on material craft and thoughtful spatial sequencing. A welcoming foyer leads into a layered workspace where hand‑crafted furniture, tailored joinery and refined detailing reflect the client’s modern brand identity. The meeting rooms and quiet zones are arranged to support the rhythm of a hybrid workday, offering clear transitions between open collaboration and controlled privacy. Throughout, the design elevates the everyday through quality materials and considered proportions, creating a workplace that feels boutique, calm and purposefully composed.
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Design Considerations
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Content
Working within a heritage structure required a considered approach to planning, light and circulation, allowing the new workplace to function efficiently without altering the building’s defining character.
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SUSTAINABILITY OUTCOMES
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Content
Working within the existing heritage fabric supported a sustainable approach grounded in adaptive reuse. Retaining original elements reduced material waste and ensured the long‑term viability of the building while accommodating the requirements of a contemporary workplace.
- Preservation of the building’s original structure and detailing
- Reduced construction waste through adaptive reuse
- A fitout designed for longevity and low‑impact future changes
Title
APPROACH TO MATERIALS
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Content
The fitout enhances the building’s natural light and architectural character through a palette of warm, refined materials. Timber, travertine and soft textures complement the restored heritage elements, creating a sophisticated and welcoming workspace that feels both contemporary and connected to its original setting.
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