This is such a beautiful design, using some of my most liked materials and hues. Muted yet elegant finishes which in my eyes work perfectly for workplaces like this.
PDG is a Melbourne based property organisation with recently restored headquarters for a more modernised look. They worked closely with Studio Tate - a successful interior architecture practice - to transform the hexagonal shaped building into something a little out of the ordinary; something you don’t expect to see, coming through the doors of a well-established office.
PDG feels more like a hotel than a space to work in, but that was Studio Tate’s intention, to create a homely environment with elegance and sophistication, making sure to respect the company’s professional quality. To do this, the designers payed special attention to the small details, from the brass streaks seeping through the walls, to the stitching of each exquisitely selected fabric. Everything in the offices, big or small, is bespoke, to fit accordingly and to reflect the high-class work that PDG is known to provide.
Just like any similar organisation out there aspires for and arguably one of the most significant element for any working environment, is to maintain comfort and productivity for its employers. Studio Tatehas managed to achieve this as well as offer an aesthetically engaging atmosphere.
From the moment you enter into the reception, you’re greeted by a grand open space of various experiences, prompting you to engage and explore the luxurious space. A minimalistic large block of Marble as the reception, sits in front of a long, smooth timber backdrop with extended matching table tops and brass featured details. The room is flooded with natural light that’s coming through the fully glazed wall on the right, providing an outstretched view of the city to those sitting on the infinite marble bench and contemporary round chairs that are perfect for the indulgence of a well-deserved coffee break from the adjacent built-in espresso bar. To pull it all together, a central seating area with the cosiest, but classic velvet couch and armchairs, is positioned over a thick formed carpet that adds another sense of luxury.
The same materiality continues into the rest of the building, with Stone Floors to all the halls and grey textured carpets to the meeting rooms, high black ceilings, timber panelled walls in a walnut tone, curved slightly in the corners and swivel glass doors with bespoke steel and stone handles.
Moving into the actual working spaces, the theme continues but is brightened slightly to enable employees to stay sharp and focused within their environments, with enough natural light coming through and desks that sit right angled in front of the windows for easy circulation and effortlessly approachable viewpoints for all employees, just to stay motivated and allow for a break from the constant work flow.
Furniture was carefully chosen by Poltrona Frau, a fancy collection of sorts that feature leather-clad table tops and legs, and chairs in tan toned leather.
Attention to aesthetics was not overlooked even in the restrooms, where the now recognised marble finish, completes the cladded walls of the bathrooms and counter tops, with deep round basins, black finished taps and mirrors and a white trace of luminance outlining the structured crevices in a mysterious accent.
In contrast to the dark tones used in the main lobby and adjoining rooms, the third section of the building offers a more vibrant and energetic ambience. White-washed walls and tables, a beautiful lengthy kitchen in white timber and marble finishes, the same grey stone floors, a selection of minimal green and grey chairs and stools, with a remarkable concept of having an array of leafy plants, run down the length of each framed window, to add a fresh and lively mood to the appointed working and lunching surroundings.
There is something so clean and sophisticated about this interior, it makes these offices become a worker’s dream. It’s certainly mine.
Photos © Studio TateYellowtrace
Photography courtesy of Peter Clarke
