Independent Hardware Group

Background

IHG (Independent Hardware Group) was formed when Mitre 10 acquired the Home Timber and Hardware Group in October 2016. The resultant $2B entity found its workforce stretched across two sites, and IHG had an urgent need to form a facility to house its staff of 250, and commence the important objectives of blending cultures and improving operational efficiency.

Solution

High on the list of priorities was the desire for a modern collaborative space that celebrated the heritage of both companies, but clearly laid a path for a new culture representative of IHG’s optimistic future. The office hosts 10 meeting rooms, 8 collab zones, 8 breakouts, 8 phone rooms and 2 quiet zones – giving employees the opportunity to select a space that best suits the task at hand; whatever that may be.

In an ode to the modern, progressive office – all 9 execs sit amongst their teams; out on the floor, with the traditional “office with a door” saved solely for the CEO of the group.

A large modern kitchen area now serves as a beautiful communication space, with clever division of food preparation and barista areas.

The collaborative and engaging environment created by the Amicus project team, enabled an easy working relationship to be developed which made the entire build process simple, easy and non-combative - Laurette Chang-Leng, Head of Integration - IHG

Benefit

Our Design Partner, Made For, has showcased IHG’s rich history in timber and has incorporated this within the space. With layered timber for floor and wall treatments and personalised collab spaces named after Australian timber species. This theme was continued throughout, specifying all appliances, paint finishes, wall treatments as ranges that are available in IHG stores. 

Made For looked to showcase historical pieces, curated in display cases in reception and embellishing the walls in common areas.

Made For wanted to keep away from trends in design and stick to rich, time tested staples and a strong material palette that would be used in traditional construction. A concrete paint finish for plaster walls, timber and steel claddings and highlight pieces and fabrics with a heritage feel.