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Open Embrace – Central Element’s Sydney Office
After creating a number of remarkable residences and projects across Sydney, property developer Central Element (CE) turned its focus to its own office, with stunning results. Transformed into a cherished space, the revamped office reflects CE’s focus on developing creative, innovative projects.
The Sydney property developer specialises in ultra-luxurious multi-residential and commercial projects, created in partnership with some of the country’s leading architects – names like Woods Bagot, SJB and Tonkin Zulaikha Greer. So when it came to refurbishing its office in North Sydney, the company wanted a space that was as authentic and enriching as the extraordinary projects in its two-billion-dollar portfolio.
CE engaged Sydney interior design practice Frankly to create “a cherished space for the team where we can bring extraordinary stories to life.”
“We were definitely inspired by a number of our partners’ own studio spaces, like SJB and Tom Mark Henry,” says CE’s Managing Director, Nathan Chivas. “And we really wanted the office to reflect our focus on creative, design-led developments.” CE engaged Sydney interior design practice Frankly to create “a cherished space for the team where we can bring extraordinary stories to life.”
“We wanted to create a space that transformed a typical office into a tailored shared working environment,” says Frankly’s Creative Lead, Georgia Gregory. “Our aim was to design an innovative use of space and form with high functionality while also showcasing the company’s approach to beautiful design details. And we hoped to achieve a discreet luxury for both staff and clients.”
The result is a calm, considered, open plan space that operates as a true reflection of CE’s design ethos.
The result is a calm, considered, open plan space that operates as a true reflection of CE’s design ethos. Anchored by parquetry flooring – Mosman Herringbone Rustic by Havwoods – Slot Workstations by NOMI were custom made, allowing room for personal inspiration, while a purpose-built sample- and plan-reviewing nook and library are ideal areas for collaboration. For meetings and brainstorms, the space boasts six meeting rooms and phone booths for virtual connections.
The reception area embodies Frankly’s vision for the office. Olive velvet Lincoln Armchairs from Vorsen, a curvaceous travertine-topped Tubby console from fform, MCM House’s capacious Paloma Modular Sofa and a Tepih Frame Rug in Dusty Rose from GlobeWest set the stage for an ultra-stylish, embracing welcome. “I love the reception area,” says Georgia. “It’s warm and inviting and turns the tables on a typical office reception by making guests feel immediately at home with the freestanding library, gorgeous MCM House sofa and ambient lighting.”
The refurbishment, along with a recent rebranding, caps off an extraordinary year for CE. Its Anden Coogee project – a 15-apartment complex housed in an art deco building with a modernist MHNDU-designed addition – won the Award for Excellence in Design at the coveted Urban Development Institute of Australia NSW Awards for Excellence in August, as well as taking top spot in the Medium Density Development category. Upcoming developments reflect the company’s focus on creative, design-led projects and passion for “developments that genuinely enrich and inspire their locales, with purpose now and well into the future,” says Nathan.
These include Bianca Drummoyne, an absolute waterfront complex designed by SJB, comprising 12 three- and four-bedroom residences; the 110-room 25hours hotel on Oxford Street, Paddington, designed by TZG; a Glenn Murcutt-Angelo Candalepas collaboration on a high-rise project on Elizabeth Street, Sydney, with views over Hyde Park; and the restoration of the landmark art deco Metro-Minerva Theatre in Kings Cross, which will be converted into a five-star boutique hotel, with architecture by TZG and interiors by Woods Bagot.
