Project

Hydro Group

Completed 2020
Space Office
Space Office
Financial Services
Industry Energy
Design
Solutions Design
Construction
Location
Location Collins Street, Melbourne
Size
Size 3,500 sqm
Space Office
Space Office
Financial Services
Industry Energy
Design
Solutions Design
Construction
Location
Location Collins Street, Melbourne
Size
Size 3,500 sqm
Modern office interior with an open floor plan featuring a mix of open workspaces and lounge areas, inspired by the shared neighbourhood concept. The design includes wooden slats, curved walls, and large windows allowing natural light. Furnishings are contemporary, with plants adding a touch of greenery.

Background

Hydro Group is Australia’s leading clean energy generator, largest producer of renewable energy, and largest water manager. For more than a century, Tasmanians have relied on their hydropower to grow and support the state’s communities and economy.

Momentum Energy and Hydro Tasmania (principally, Wholesale Energy Services and the consulting arm ‘Entura’) businesses consolidated their office space to one floor in 530 Collins St and used this move as an opportunity to develop a new way of working using the principles of Activity Based Working (ABW). This shift propelled the business forward, created a workspace that is open and connected with greater collaboration and communication, leaving behind their traditional workplace and practices with predefined workpoints and workteams.

A modern conference room used by the Hydro project team features a flat-screen TV displaying

Solution

In collaboration with our design partner Hot Black, Amicus facilitated eight ‘Co-Design Workshops’ with the Hydro project team which included 20 people across their organisation. The result was a workspace design focused on the organisation of people which has a ‘shared neighbourhood concept’, with a flow and transition from different working environments. The staff hub and reception area are shared so that people can come together from different groups / neighbourhoods and was positioned straight off the main lift lobby so staff can access the space at the start of the day.

The atrium at 530 Collins St also provides additional natural light to the space and also helps to make the space feel open and connected – we maximised the value of this by creating collaboration settings to bring people toward this area. Additional micro kitchens and hydration stations service areas furthest away from the main staff kitchen. Attention was also given to the more formal meeting zones being away from the areas with most noise.

The management of acoustics played a large part in the success of the project with careful consideration given to finishes and the positioning of certain working zones.

A modern hallway featuring rows of gray lockers on both sides, a long orange bench centered on a gray carpeted floor, and a black ceiling with recessed lights. The end of the hallway, designed with a shared neighbourhood concept in mind, has some greenery and a small exit sign visible above a doorway.

Benefit

The end result was a workplace that has unlocked the potential in each individual team member through an activity based working environment, as well as acting as a catalyst for a shift in culture.

This collaboration has enabled a deeper sense of belonging, curiosity, untapped potential, pride and impact throughout its employees, supported by the design, the build and a state of the art ‘fully technology enabled’ workplace. Further to this, the fitout has been awarded a 5 Star – Green Star – certified rating, representing ‘Australian Excellence’ in environmentally sustainable building practices. This achievement showcases leadership in sustainability, creates brand value and encourages innovation.

We are so pleased to announce that Hydro Group has taken home GOLD at the DRIVENxDESIGN Melbourne Design Awards! This award celebrates innovative and creative interiors, with consideration given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes, aesthetic presentation and functionality.

Testimonial

“We have just great things to say about designing and building our workspace with Amicus! Our new office is seamlessly supporting a culture of collaboration, belonging and pride.”

Meg Liston Hydro Group

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