"office desk"

SAS International provided an unusual feature perforation to a metal ceiling solution for Cork County Council’s redevelopment of their MOT office. The refurbishment of Cork County Council has created an outstanding open plan office for their upgraded MOT Office. Included in the redevelopment is the installation of 240 meters squared of acoustic SAS500, with a unique OB50 perforation, installed within the open plan office, meeting rooms and cellular offices. Conserving the original architectural features was significant when embarking on the reconstruction of the building. SAS500 was chosen to accommodate the spacing of existing structural beams, the system hung on secondary grids to adhere to specific architectural requirements. To adhere to the recent popularity in open soffit trends, SAS500 offers a solution in addition to providing acoustic absorption. A unique OB50 perforation was specified in the design of the baffles for this project. SAS International worked in collaboration with Cork County Council Architects and CField Construction to provide bespoke design solutions for this project.

TenneT's former head office at the Arnhems Buiten business park has been renovated and converted into one of the most sustainable office buildings in the Netherlands. It is now the head office of DNV GL's energy branch, which employs 2,500 energy experts worldwide. It is DNV GL's largest office building in the Netherlands. The site accommodates about 400 DNV GL employees and covers about 10,000 m2 of office and lab space. The building has achieved an A energy label thanks to innovations such as the use of seasonal thermal energy storage, solar panels, HR +++ glass and a highly efficient heating and cooling system. Boon Edam installed a sliding door at the main entrance, and three Speedlane Slide access gates and two Winglock 900 swing barrier gates in the central hall behind the main entrance to prevent unauthorised entry.

Designed by Smart Design Studio, the building is an honest layering of old and new as expressed by the raw treatment of the exterior façade through to the smooth, modern interior. The rooftop addition connects the double-height banks of glass Breezway Louvres with an articulated aluminium roof folding down as a screen to the back of the building. The end result successfully incorporates flexible and functional office interiors and a two-bedroom rooftop apartment within a rigorously controlled contemporary architecture of old and new.

The City of Boston is known for many things – from Fenway Park to the Boston Marathon to the bar from Cheers, the city is full of iconic landmarks, events, cultural assets, education centers, and more. The City is also recognised for its vast history, especially downtown, where hundred-year-old buildings have been preserved or restored. There is also a mixture of new property development, including 33 Congress Street, in the heart of the financial district, which combines the best of historical design with new construction. 33 Congress incorporates more than 400,000 square feet of office and retail space, transforming the historic neighborhood and positioning the area as a dynamic downtown destination. The project was designed by Arrowstreet, an award-winning architecture and design firm, and was led by Jason King, AIA, LEED, AP, BD+C, Senior Associate for Arrowstreet. Blending Historical Features with a Modern Design According to King, the 33 Congress Street building consisted of three different structures that were built at separate times: in 1904, 1906, and in 1922 and then all combined into one space. While the space functioned as one building, there were three separate elevator cores, sets of restrooms, sets of stairs, and more. Those entities needed to be reconfigured into one. The most striking feature of 33 Congress is a new, modern glass and steel structure, containing 6 additional floors of office space that sits on top of the original three masonry buildings. Another important project goal was to upgrade the main lobby to a modern design that allowed public access, increased security for building employees, and respected several historical aspects. “We needed a way to get people into the new, main elevator lobby quickly due to the high volume of traffic that we were anticipating would take place after the redesign,” King said. “We also wanted to create an entrance that would create a better flow of entry from the sidewalk into the building.” The original building had an existing revolving door, but it was small and surrounded by stone. “It was dark and uninviting,” King said. “We were creating an open and airy Class A lobby space and wanted visitors to clearly see the ornate, coffered ceiling and experience the grand and historic nature of the lobby as they entered.” Revolving Door and Speed Gates Provide Aesthetics and Function King implemented a Boon Edam Crystal Tourniket manual revolving door to lead visitors in the double height lobby space. The Crystal Tournket is constructed virtually completely from glass with only a few stainless steel accents to ensure the solidity of the revolving door. It fits seamlessly with modern glass facades but can also be a beautiful eye catcher in more traditional or classic designs. For employee access, the building’s previous design did not incorporate turnstiles to the elevator banks. “The building did have card reader access, but only at certain doors and locations,” King said. King installed four lanes of Boon Edam Lifeline Speedlane Swing speed gates and two Winglock Swing model access gates to provide secure employee access to the building’s upper floors. The Lifeline Speedlane Swing speed gate manages and channels the flow of people entering and moving around buildings. It employs sensors that detect visitors approaching, with pulsing light strips to guide the user. A sleep function saves on energy use. It can be customised with dimensional and glass choices, including corporate identity colors or other options, so that it either blends-in or stands-out from its surroundings. The Boon Edam Winglock Swing is constructed from stainless steel and a single glass panel, and is unobtrusive in nature and design. The access gate easily manages bi-directional traffic, with LED lights that signal if the gate is in use or on standby. The access gate ties into a manned security desk located near the front doors. Employees gain access to the building through either the Lifeline turnstiles, or a Winglock Swing access gate, while building visitors can receive credentials at the security desk. King said, “We started the process looking at Boon Edam from a security and an aesthetic standpoint. We went through multiple product options but always had a Boon Edam product as the basis of the design. We have been happy with Boon Edam entrance solutions and we are planning to use them again for future projects.”

Reading is a vibrant city that boasts home to some of the largest company UK headquarters such as Microsoft and Pepsico calling this Berkshire county home to their UK head offices. Now, looking to transform the way they work, the retail HQ based in Reading upgraded its large office space to start a new era of work life for its current and future employees. This large refurbishment will see all floors of their existing building being completely reconfigured and re-designed that sees a new cafe/bar and staff gym/studio along with a studio mock shop space and office expansion. Within this project, the interior and exterior were dramatically changed and enhanced utilising fresh entry and security solutions. Contact us to see what we can do for your building. Originally and still currently known in Ireland as Penny’s, these UK headquarters resides in the centre of vibrant Reading. Launching its first clothing store back in 1969, the affordable yet innovative fashion retailer offers shoppers a unique shopping experience with its staple large stores, airy layouts and competitive item pricing. Calling it a ‘workplace of the future’ the new UK HQ spans over 130,000sq ft of redesigned space that homes 580+ employees. The challenge in this project was to unobtrusively implement secured entry solutions that could be stylish in appearance but also provide high-quality functionality. Social Open Space with State-of-the-Art Security With the overall theme being togetherness, collaboration and open workspace, there was a requirement for the building to be secured yet keep the spacious feeling. The challenge in this project was to unobtrusively implement secured entry solutions that could be stylish in appearance but also provide high-quality functionality. The entry solution was to implement a bespoke revolving door, combining a Crystal Tourniket and a framed Tourniket. This customised door benefits from a hidden fully automatic drive in the ceiling that also provides LED down lighting for better user visibility. For security, a bank of tall glass Lifeline Speedlane Swings with a wide-lane setup was specified. Contact us to see what we can do for your building.

The ABC project in Melbourne’s Southbank precinct represents a bold union of the national broadcaster’s multiple aims and responsibilities. With its bold style, internal and external openness and highly innovative use of technology, the ABC’s Victorian headquarters embodies socially responsible design. The central design theme of transparency is perfectly suited to the Capral curtain wall, window and door systems throughout. The building, which designer Cox Architecture characterise as fostering a ‘dynamic, integrated and visually transparent environment which promotes interaction across program teams’, also invites ‘greater public interest and participation’.

There is a saying that “Everything is Bigger in Texas,” and the Dallas, Texas police department is no exception. The city of Dallas is ranked in the top 10 cities in the U.S. in terms of population, at 1.2 million people. The Dallas Police Department is the ninth largest municipal police force in the U.S., based on 3,012 sworn officers. It is led by Chief of Police, U. Reneé Hall. Security a Concern When Designing HQ Building The department is located in the Jack Evans Police Headquarters building, which was built in 2003. It is 358,000 square feet, has six floors, is spread over a three-acre site, has a separate 1,200 car parking garage and a two-acre, open parking lot for additional visitor parking. Prior to 2003, the department was housed in the circa 1914 former City Hall Building. The Jack Evans Police Headquarters building was under construction when 9/11 terrorists flew airplanes into the World Trade Buildings in New York. That event was preceded by the Oklahoma City Murrah Federal Building bombing in April 1995. Therefore, security was a concern in its design. Police officials worked with a Police Design Consultant – McClaren, Wilson, and Lawrie Architects of Phoenix – to help design the building to resist a terrorist attack and isolate potential hazards. The building also needed to control visitor traffic and access. On an average month, there are 5,000 public visitors to the Jack Evans building. In addition, shots fired at police buildings nationally are not uncommon, says Paul M. Schuster, Senior Corporal/Facilities Management for the Dallas Police Department. “For the most part they are random, single shot drive-by shootings. Often, the officers are unaware that the building has been shot at, until they find a bullet hole in the brick or glass. Increasingly, police tend to be a symbol of government and some citizens see that as a visible target to lash out at. Police officers are trained to expect the routine types of calls, such as domestic violence, traffic accidents, and other crimes. Yet they must be flexible to anticipate the non-routine that can be dangerous and change in a heartbeat.” An Active Shooter Incident Led to an Increase in Security On June 13, 2015, after midnight, a 35-year-old male placed a duffle bag with a remote-controlled bomb to detonate later between cars in the parking lot of the headquarters building. The suspect then began shooting continuously at the lobby windows. Officers responded to the scene, a vehicle chase began, and the incident ended outside the city. Luckily officers in the lobby took cover and were not injured. Following that incident, the Dallas Police Department conducted a security assessment of the building and also at seven patrol stations throughout the city. The assessment included testing various construction materials for bullet resistance to various types of weapons. Gensler Architects and Guidepost Solutions, LLC developed the solutions and plans. “Yesterday we were concerned about handguns, today we are worried about rifles, and the idea of terrorism is always present with outright attack or bombs,” Schuster notes. “The police officers and police staff only want a place that is safe and where they can do their good work.” Funding of $1.3 million was approved to upgrade the lobbies of the seven patrol stations to withstand rifle rounds, and $1.9 million to improve headquarters lobby security, and to upgrade an aging security system. Turner Construction Company and Convergint Technologies, LLC conducted the renovations and security technology integration. Challenges to the Security Design The headquarter’s lobby was initially designed as a two-story glass-walled structure, with an information desk and public records service windows. Visitors were allowed free entry into the lobby and were only screened in an open area to the side if going to other floors. “The challenge in upgrading lobby security was the two-story lobby entrance glass. “In addition, there were concerns about keeping an ‘open’ and friendly service concept in mind and ensuring that the lobby would not resemble a ‘fortress’,” Schuster notes. Screening Room with Security Revolving Doors to Contain Incidents The solution was to keep the existing exterior unchanged and focus on adding a layer of security once a person enters the lobby. Visitors now enter the headquarters and immediately proceed to a side room where security screening is conducted. A new secondary wall with bullet-rated glass and solid bullet resistant wall materials was constructed inside the lobby to channel visitors to the room. Once inside the screening room, which also has bullet resistant walls, the visitor has belongings x-rayed, and they walk through a metal detector. In the event that anyone was to produce a gun and begin shooting, the incident could be contained inside that room. Once a visitor has been cleared, they proceed into the main lobby via a Boon Edam Tourlock 180 security revolving door. This automatic, four-wing door is the most advanced, security revolving door in the Boon Edam product range that offers maximum throughput, allowing users to enter and leave the building simultaneously. In the event that a large number of persons try to force their way into the facility, the Tourlock 180+90 will determine that more than one person is trying to enter and will reject the person and lock out any others from entering. Once a visitor is ready to leave the lobby and exit the building, they pass through another Boon Edam Tourlock 180+90 that leads to a vestibule with exterior swinging doors. In the event that someone tries to go back into the lobby from the front vestibule area, without going through the security screening room, the Tourlock security revolving door will reject their entry.

The new Student Center at Columbia College Chicago, located at 754 South Wabash Avenue in Chicago, opened its doors in the fall of 2019. This brand-new building offers five spectacular stories of spaces for students including music and film-screening rooms, dining options, a fitness centre, a reflection room for meditation and prayer, and event spaces for meetings, performances, and receptions. Columbia College Chicago has a closed campus. In order to enter any building on campus students and staff must have a Columbia ID or visitors must have a valid appointment. The main entrance at the Student Centre is the Tourniket manual revolving door that leads to a public foyer that includes a coffee shop and lounge. Since the speed gates are just past the security desk at the boundary of this area, they serve as a visual and physical indicator of where the public area terminates. Next to the Speedlane Open speed gates, which are notable because they do not have any closing barriers, guards watch as people pass through them to ensure that everyone is scanning their IDs and that the IDs are valid, in which case the speed gate shows a green light. In a situation where a red light shows and the gate alarms, the guard will check the person’s credentials and can try to troubleshoot the ID card. “The decision was really about what creates the least barrier to those entering and exiting the building,” said Dutil. “We don't really want our students to feel like they are overly policed or that our buildings are not accessible to them. So the design of the Open speed gates provided the best solution in terms of controlling access without being obtrusive." Swift Passage While Maintaining Accountability Before the Student Center was built, students entering any campus building would just show their ID to the security officer as they walked past. The administration realised that while this does provide some level of security, it is not foolproof – particularly when many people are entering at the same time for a class. The College’s head of security made the suggestion to install a system that would allow for swift passage of authorised people while maintaining accountability around who enters and exits the building. As anticipated, there was a brief learning curve for the students using the new system. “This was the first system like this on our campus,” said Dutil. “And the first few days that the new Centre was open were also the first few days of school. There were a lot of people new to the campus who required a bit of coaching from guards and our student staff in terms of where to place your card, and to not walk through before you place your card.” Coming Out Ahead of Swinging Doors Dutil confirms that the access systems placed at Boon Edam speed gates are actually outperforming those placed at swing doors across the campus for convenience and adoption. Across the campus, there is a card reader at every swing door entrance of a building where you present your card and a light turns red or green. But oftentimes the card reader is missed, or depending on the placement of the lights and placement of the guard, it can be kind of hit or miss with students walking right by it. “But with the Open speed gates, they're very visible and although they're not a total barrier to entry, they are something that's right in front of you. Because it's very noticable and not easily overlooked, the students have learned pretty quickly to get their ID out. In fact, this was meant to be a test run for the campus to ensure it would be viable and worthwhile for other buildings as well.” Advanced Features Add Value and Flexibility The speed gates have delivered additional benefits beyond basic campus security, according to Dutil. “One of the nice things about a system like this is that we can count visitors to the Student Centre because we get the data of everybody that scans in. So on a busy day for us it's about 2500 people throughout the day. That can range depending on what's going on and what time of year it is. On weekends we're very slow, since there are no classes – maybe 900 to 1200.” “We are a rental venue as well, so we have times where the building is open to non-Columbia College Chicago people for events or other functions. There's a really convenient touch panel right at the security desk called the BoonTouch, where the officer can turn off the turnstiles during those times and then attendees can move through freely without any alarms going off at all.” A New Revolving Door Adds Comfort and Peace of Mind Finally, the Tourniket manual revolving door delivers one additional benefit to the Student Centre, located in a city known for harsh weather. “Revolving doors are always preferred at a building like this that gets a lot of traffic going in and out. We have cold, drafty weather that blows right into our main space at that first floor entry. The revolving door helps to keep the building warm and saves energy and utility costs as well,” said Dutil. “Students feel safe and comfortable entering the building at night,” he concludes. “Our building has a lot of nooks and crannies, and someone can end up alone in a space. And so I think knowing that the only people that are in that building are the ones that are supposed to be there is helpful. Overall, our students appreciate the effort to try to keep them safer.”

The NSW SES used Acrovyn by Design, where the walls were all white and needed some visualisation.

Leading Australian community bank, IMB Bank, has installed a series of Boon Edam entrances, including all glass revolving doors, slimline speedgates and a swing access gate at its new building in Wollongong, NSW.IMB moved into the new building in early 2021, and immediately sought to make the entrance open and welcoming to visitors, with entrance security inside to protect valuable data, intellectual property and people.The Boon Edam technology selected is among the most stylish and efficient of the Boon Edam range used by major banks locally, Fortune 500 companies globally, and corporate HQs in 27 countries.The exterior of the building has two Boon Edam Crystal Tourniket all-glass revolving doors, which create a striking first impression. Inside, there are three Speedlane Lifeline Swing speedgates, including one wide lane suitable for disabled access. In one section, there is also a Winglock Swing access gate that separates off a designated meeting space.“After reviewing a range of product proposals, we found that Boon Edam’s range had the ideal combination of aesthetics and security that IMB was seeking,” said IMB Head of Facilities, Greg Dowd.“The security speedgates give us greater control over access to the building, and they alert us to any tailgating or access breaches. Limiting access to only authorised personnel not only protects our staff, but it also protects the data of our customers, which we always store securely,” he said.“As a further advantage, the Boon Edam team integrated the access control system with our RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) system. This was a big help, because it meant the speedgates were sending data directly to our existing system.”Boon Edam Managing Director, Michael Fisher, says this impressive project will serve as a new benchmark for local financial institutions. “IMB has set the bar high with it’s new Wollongong facility. Every design element has been carefully thought out to be welcoming to visitors and intuitive to employees. We are delighted to have been selected to contribute to the success of this project.”“Boon Edam is a family-owned organisation with a history extending back nearly 150 years, so it is particularly satisfying to work with a community-minded company like IMB, with a similarly long and successful history,” said Mr Fisher.Responsive serviceIn addition to elegant aesthetics and intelligent security, IMB sought an entrance security partner with attentive service throughout the entire project, and then into after-sales service too.“The Boon Edam team was highly professional to work with, and responded adaptively to our needs. Early mornings were the best time for installation work, and their service team accommodated this need right from the start, without a hassle,” said Mr Dowd.“It was clear that Boon Edam takes great care in its products, and that its values as a company were aligned with IMB’s, which are strongly focused on community, family and quality.”Elegant aestheticsBoon Edam’s Speedlane Lifeline series is one of the slimmest on the market, with the cabinet housing measuring as little as 106mm. The slim nature of the speedgate makes it ideal for narrow entrances, lobbies and foyers, where sometimes an extra lane can be added due to its compact size.“The slim design and finishes of the speedgates was what attracted us to the Boon Edam product in the first place. Their overall designs are sleek, modern and in keeping with our foyer design. We could also customise the materials and colours to suit our foyer, and that really sealed the deal,” said Mr Dowd.“For the front entrance, we couldn’t look past an all-glass revolving door. It lets in an abundance of natural light, making the entire foyer a welcoming space for visitors and employees,” he said.Boon Edam’s Crystal Tourniket doors – available in single and multiple entrance options up to 3.5m diameter and height – are being introduced to Australasia after being proven internationally.The Crystal Tourniket is fully compliant with Australian Standard AS1288 (Glass in Buildings), which specifies safe glazing and installation practices when using glass in buildings.“The other Boon Edam product, the Winglock Swing, provides the ideal separation for our meeting space, without needing a full length Speedlane. It’s finishes and design also perfectly match the rest of our foyer,” said Mr Dowd.Boon Edam’s Winglock Swing is constructed from stainless steel and a single glass panel, creating an access gate that is elegant and unobtrusive in nature and design. Winglock is designed to manage bi-directional traffic with effortless ease, using smart, intuitive technology to guide each visitor through to their destination without delay or inconvenience.

This recently completed office development has utilised expanses of Alspec flush-glazed framing to deliver a series of modern and versatile office suites in Bundoora near Melbourne.

Hospitality and security are often at odds with each other. The challenge is to find the best compromise between Fort Knox and a warm welcome. Telecom company Liberty Global recently carried out a major renovation of their head office in Schiphol-Rijk – the Netherlands. As part of the project, the access security was considerably tightened, without affecting their brand’s desired welcoming appearance. Liberty Global is an international telecommunication and television company. It is also one of the largest internet service providers outside the USA. Liberty Global operates in 14 countries and has 35,000 employees. The head office is based in London and additionally there are central offices in Amsterdam and Denver. Consumer brands that belong to Liberty Global include VodafoneZiggo (50% Joint Venture with Vodafone), Virgin Media, UPC, Unitymedia and Telenet. In the high-quality business park - Schiphol-Rijk, Liberty Global have seven office buildings, which, collectively, employ a total of around 1600 people of 55 nationalities. "We did have manned security at the main entrance, but that solution did not always prevent people from entering our central hall unnoticed," says Simon Kuitert, who holds the position of Corporate Security Manager at Liberty Global. "That is why we introduced a single point of entry for the recent renovation."

The striking cube-shaped office building has been emphasised by the inclusion of distinctive Alspec window framing solutions.

PROJECT NAMEFlower Power HQLOCATIONErskine Park, NSW – AUCOLLABORATIONFlower Power Head Office TeamBRIEFFlower Power is one of Australia’s leading garden centres. They wanted an earth-friendly and sustainable solution to keep the Flower Power head office as healthy and safe as possible for staff members.MATERIAL & APPLICATIONECOCLEAN Antiviral coating was applied to the interior office building and common touchpoints.OUTCOMEECOCLEAN is not only providing long-term protection from the spread of viruses but preventing the spread of bacteria, mould, and VOCs creating a safer and healthier workplace for the Flower Power team and staff members.TESTIMONYAt Flower Power, sustainability and safety have always been important to our garden centre business. So, when the ECOCLEAN team showed us how their clever coatings could help keep our workplace safe, it was a no-brainer for us to try them. Now more than ever we have a responsibility to keep our workplaces and each other safe.John Summit, CEO Flower Power

Beyond Bank employed Pinnacle Commercial Interiors to revamp their office space in Canberra as Pinnacle are market leaders in creating successful commercial spaces where employees thrive.

45 Clarence St, is a striking office tower located in the busy western corridor of Sydney’s commercial district, with extensive views of Darling Harbour and Barangaroo, it is a prestigious building with various companies operating inside this office building, such as Business Sydney and CBRE.As part of the refurbishment, which included the lobby upgrade, CS worked extensively with the property management team, architect, builder, and installer to deliver the architectural grilles for this project. There was a unique vision to use the Econoline indoors in a commercial building instead of using it as an outdoor vision barrier grille. The focus of this refurbishment was to provide a bespoke architectural grille to line the ceiling and vertical walls of the lobby and modernise the building.The Econoline is typically used in locations such as parking garages, concealing mechanical equipment and for many refacing applications. Having the Econoline installed in a commercial building is a unique opportunity that will result in more products being used for aesthetic purposes. The challenge that was faced with the Econoline being used indoors was that the tapered vertical walls on two sides as grilles needed to be a certain distance above ground level and to be structurally sound.On completion, the lobby at 45 Clarence St Sydney is unique from your typical office building. This is also exciting for CS, to be part of a project that has been transformative and elegant in design.

International technology firm Microsoft have recently moved into their brand-new office located in Leopardstown. SAS International designed and manufactured a range of metal ceilings and bespoke metalwork installed in the multi award-winning innovation hub. This modern office signifies the celebration of an extensive 30-year history Microsoft share with Ireland. SAS500 linear baffles were supplied in either RAL 9016 (Black) or in a pre-coat timber effect to enhance the natural, organic character of this project. Installed in the main office areas, galvanised SAS130 T-Grid in RAL 9016 was chosen for its industrial demeanour and sharp appearance. SAS330 C-Profiles have also been supplied in a pre-coat timber effect, achieving the popular timber natural impression while still providing the longevity and benefits of metal. Installed in a unique triangular grid pattern, this ceiling adheres to the contemporary aesthetic of an exposed ceiling. The new building has been designed with the 2,000 Microsoft employees needs in mind creating large open spaces with the aim to promote engagement amongst colleagues. SAS International achieved the artistic vision of RKD architects through the collaboration with BAM and Platt & Reilly.

Located in Brisbane’s multifaceted suburb of Newstead, the new 14 Stratton Street development sets new standards for office design in the area, while embodying the pioneering spirit, focus on wellness, and importance of culture the district is renowned for.

A common theme that has swarmed the United Kingdom is the renovation of office space. With a continuously growing workforce, cities across the country are transforming corporate workspaces into multi-level high-quality spaces. The demand for better-graded office space in the city of Glasgow is high. The magnificent development of 191 West George Street has created a vibrant buzz around the cultural city. Known as being within one of the most prominent positions within the City, 191 West George Street stands on the corner of West George Street and Wellington Street. The position encourages an easy commute for the workforce with transport links being a stone’s throw away from the development. Renovated with space and clarity in mind, the atrium stands out with its high-quality materials. The atrium was designed with a sleek set of Lifeline Speedlane Swings.

IOI City Mall is the biggest shopping mall in Malaysia at 1.35 million square feet, incorporating Rondo Drywall Framing for the internal wall partitions. This mall comes together with 2 tower office blocks and one hotel which will be completed in stages.

Minter Ellison's award-winning office specified SAS International ceilings as part of their overall workplace well-being strategy. Designed by BVN, the feature ceilings enhance the open floor design while minimising the use of materials. BVN challenged internal preconceptions of how major law firms present themselves to staff and clients alike. Deliberately shying away from a stiff, corporate feel, they specified SAS750 Tubeline in black. Their aim was to evoke a sleek and forward-thinking dynamism while maintaining a highly professional atmosphere. Elsewhere in the office areas SAS310 metal pan ceilings were specified with an unusually large perforation. This design feature creates a visually engaging ceiling which offers subtle system integration for sprinklers, down-lighters and other small services. Due to a tight project programme, micro-perforated SAS150 was specified knowing the tiles were readily available in the Sydney warehouse. The system satisfied acoustic absorption requirements too, achieving 0.95 NRC. Minter Ellison invested in not just a Grade A office redevelopment, but also their staff, improving motivation and retention. The reinvigorated space also communicates a clear sense of approach to visiting clients, underlining core brand values. Occupying the top 8 floors of the Governor Macquarie Tower, the project won the 'John Verge Award for Interior Architecture (NSW Architecture Awards) in 2016.

Sitting proudly at the junction of the M4 and M7 motorways in Sydney's Greater West is Calibre Eastern Creek Building 3. An architecturally designed warehouse and two-storey office space which incorporates 990 m2 of Vitradual on the attractive facade of the development. Builder: Vaughan Constructions, Architect: SBA Architects.

European telecommunications operator, Tele2 were moving into new offices in Kista Science City - Stockholm as their headquarters. It had been decided that they were going in an Activity - Based Workplace direction, featuring large, open work areas where people could move freely throughout most of the building. From a security perspective, this work concept came with a few challenges. The Business Challenge Tele2 were moving into a new building with an “Open Office” design. The challenge was to create a transparent, inviting atmosphere while still maintaining a high level of security. Furthermore, an emergency exit was also required through the gates. Together with Tele2 and BAU architects, Boon Edam started sketching and researching, to find the perfect solution for the main entrance to the building. The original plan to make the building as open as possible, changed slightly to accommodate important security needs, both around the entrance and throughout the whole building itself.

We had the pleasure of working alongside Cachet Group to install our artificial greenery into the newly-designed office space of BAI Communications and the results were stunning! We used a combination of different hanging bushes and vines, which were offset beautifully against the modern, crisp white interiors of the space.

Rondo’s main focus has been to complete 17 levels of one of the five office towers, of which two levels are for shops and a café. With the majority of the 70,000 lineal metres of product being Rondo DUO Exposed Grid System, Rondo continues to provide technical support for the project through weekly site visits.

Construction started on Burj Khalifa in 2004 before the building was officially opened in January 2010, although ceiling systems are still being supplied to the office areas on level 160. At the peak of construction, over 12,000 workers were onsite every day from 30 contracting companies, representing more than 100 different nationalities.

GWA Bathrooms & Kitchens supplied a full schedule of fittings for the Alluvion Tower project. Situated in the heart of Perth’s CBD, Alluvion sets the benchmark for office design and sustainability. GWA’s tapware, bathroom basins, urinals and toilet suites were selected both for the quality of their aesthetics and their distinctive, in-built technologies that limit unnecessary water wastage and associated costs.

Acoustic SAS International metal ceiling systems were installed in the eight-storey Eqwater office building in Paris. SAS International’s SAS330 was installed throughout the office areas in the building. SAS330 is a lay-in metal ceiling tile system that provides functionality and outstanding acoustic performance for a range of cost-effective design options. The practical nature of its structure allows ease of construction and maintenance. The corridors of the building were fitted with SAS International’s SAS205. In some areas it is not possible to use a standard hanging bracket due to the number of services in the ceiling void, SAS205 is supported at the perimeters, up to a maximum width of 3000mm, making it a perfect solution for corridors. Metal offers an inert and inherently hard-wearing surface, making metal ceiling systems both hygienic and a low-maintenance option over the course of their lifespan. Only a simple cleaning routine is required. The lifespan of SAS International’s metal ceilings is in excess of 25 years with only very basic maintenance.

As Western Australia’s flagship health facility, the Fiona Stanley Hospital is the largest building project ever undertaken for the Western Australian Government. The hospital is a complex of buildings that combine to form the hospital campus. This A$2 billion project was designed by the Fiona Stanley Design Collaboration - a joint venture between the local offices of three architectural practices: Silver Thomas Hanley, Hames Sharley and HASSELL.

The Farr Institute in Edinburgh is a collaboration between six Scottish Universities and the NHS National Services Scotland. They aim to place the country as a global leader in health informatics research whilst improving the health of the Scottish population. 30,000 sq. ft. has been fitted out to accommodate Bio Incubator laboratories and offices together with meeting, conference and dining facilities. The remainder of the building will accommodate laboratories and offices for life science research. SAS International’s acoustic baffles were specified to meet acoustic demand and make the most of the high ceilings and breathable space. The colours, baffle layout and service integration were carefully co-ordinated to the brief. SAS130 and SAS330 were specified and installed in the central core. Both systems offer quick and easy access to otherwise hidden mechanical and electrical systems. With SAS130, tiles can be lifted out to gain access to the ceiling void. SAS330’s hinge notch allows tiles to be hung vertically from C-Profiles, providing unobstructed access to the ceiling void. Ray Kwiecinski at Michael Laird Architects gave the below quote on working with SAS International; “MLA has specified a variety of SAS International’s lay-in grid ceiling systems over the years and we have always been extremely satisfied with the finished product. At the Farr Institute however, we decided to create a feature of the structural soffits and the M&E services and, by careful coordination of these services, the steel beams… [With] the SAS Baffle System and SAS Raft System 600, we were able to create an open, collaborative and exciting office environment whilst maintaining a high degree of sound absorbency. Our Client is delighted with the results as are we.” The Institute’s independent research will support innovation in the public sector, leading to advances in preventative medicine, improvements in NHS care and better development of commercial drugs and diagnostics.

This stunning architectural build is the new Australian Headquarters for PROBOND. Three shades of PROCORE A1® create this show-stopping commercial facade: Midnight Metallic and Custom Pearl Grey Metallic accentuate the office space popout. Sabre Silver Metallic is used in the window surrounds and the side wings which disguise the distribution complex and feature a multi-faceted 3D triangle pattern. The lightshow throughout the day is stunning as the sun moves across the complex.

Inspired by water droplets in the wild, the POD Pavilion showcases the new sustainable urban development located in Petaling Jaya Commercial City, west of Kuala Lumpur. Designed by Hijjas Kasturi Associates in collaboration with Studio Nicoletti Associati (Italy), the POD Pavilion is now PJCC’s corporate office and sales gallery. Rondo provided both product and design assistance to the project, which required a significant amount of input because of its unique elliptical design.

Occupying a 2134m2 block of premium land, Leopold residential apartments is one of the newest commercial/residential developments in Melbourne’s residential and business district. The project involved the internal demolition of existing commercial fit out, the construction of an additional six levels and the fit-out of 174 residential apartments as well as four office tenancies. The works undertaken comprised of a new wall facade, the attachment of 97 new balconies to the existing structure, and installation of a structural steel transfer level with lightweight floor system (Powerscope).

54 Mary Street is an office building nestled in the heart of Brisbane. Spanning over 22 levels, it was no small feat for bureau^proberts to carry out a retrofit of the public washrooms. As part of the refurbishment of male, female, and ADA Accessible washrooms across numerous floors, bureau^proberts had to source a large selection of soap dispensers that would be readily available in large quantities – and ideally, in a particular matte black finish. ASI JD Macdonald were perfectly positioned to provide the solution.

Rondo supported Maxcon Pty Ltd through contractor L&Y Commercial for this project incorporating two 26 and 36 story residential towers of 551 apartments, an Art Series Hotel with 90 rooms, retail spaces and serviced offices. Due to the large-scale nature of the build, our customer was very satisfied with Rondo’s ability to provide quick turnaround times for crane lifts as well as our efficient and effective operation of installation and delivery of goods on site, on time.

Ferrero’s new global HQ gathers in one building with nearly 1,300 people, previously spread over five different offices. The building, with a total floor space of almost 30,000 m², opened in December 2019. The building is designed to evoke the atmosphere of an Italian square: a vast atrium is surrounded by two multi-storey office wings. Boon Edam was appointed to craft and install the golden revolving door, on behalf of facade builder Groven + Portal, who in turn worked for general contractor Felix Giorgetti. The colour of the revolving door makes a visual reference to the world-famous golden chocolate - Ferrero Rocher. The Casa Ferrero administrative building consists of two blocks built on a common basement. It was the combination of these plots, and the architectural skills, that resulted in what you see today: a building that is both impressive and elegant as well as being a pleasant and functional workplace for the employees of the food group. Ferrero’s colours are subtly incorporated into the classic facades, with bronze tones and a gilded effect over the windows as well as the entrance glass panels. This effect was achieved by applying a gold-coloured textile fabric to the laminated glass during the project’s construction. Behind the glass facade of the entrance, the most jaw-dropping area of Ferrero’s headquarters unfolds - a central atrium that connects the two blocks and is entirely covered by a glass roof. The spacious atrium is designed to function as a reception and meeting space. Horizontal circulation between the two blocks is facilitated by connecting walkways with a range of 20 meters. The vertical circulation occurs through panoramic glass elevators. The central atrium’s glass-roofed space is open to life within the company and encourages interaction between employees. This 11-storey building, including six upper levels (ground floor + 5 floors) and five lower levels, adapts perfectly to its urban surroundings. The office areas are spread over nine floors, taking advantage of maximum light for the interior space. Levels -3 to -5 include technical areas and parking spaces. Ferrero’s wish was for a functional and pleasant building for everyone who works there. We think they have achieved this in spades!