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288 Edward Street by Bearspace and ForestOne
Far more than just a cubicle to clock your nine to five, office spaces have the potential to promote productivity and collaborative thinking while also expressing a company’s character.
Those qualities were top of mind when Julia Tamatea of design studio Bearspace was briefed to create two distinct and desirable spaces within a commercial building at 288 Edward Street, Brisbane.
The client, Marquette Group, brought in Bearspace to overhaul two newly vacant commercial suites. They were happy for Tamatea to lead the design, but because the suites are on the same floor, they asked that the spaces be differentiated with two contrasting looks. Without a specific tenant in mind, the suites also needed to appeal to a broad range of prospective businesses.
The key to creating two visually distinct spaces was selecting contrasting palettes of materials, largely built around ForestOne’s EGGER laminate and panel products. Durable and easy to maintain, the EGGER range is an excellent option to withstand the demands of a commercial office space. Marquette Group was also committed to using environmentally friendly materials: EGGER’s sustainability standing is well known, which gave Tamatea confidence in the eco credentials of her material selections. EGGER panels use FSC-certified wood products and a high proportion of recycled content where possible. They’re low VOC, easy to clean and have anti-bacterial properties, all of which contribute to enhanced air quality. Practicalities aside, EGGER’s vast range of finishes was the major draw, allowing Tamatea to assemble two distinctive palettes. Suite 1 is a moody and sophisticated monochromatic zone, where “the black-and-white hues are defined by natural textures and offset with metal touches.”
She crafted the scheme around the natural stone effect of EGGER Silver Grey Metal Slate, which is employed everywhere from the entrance joinery to the communal kitchen and breakout area. “We chose this laminate because it has incredible movement and using it with other finishes gave the space a sense of stratification.”
In contrast, Suite 2 was designed to be warm and friendly, with a light and airy palette of blond timber tones, coral and cream hues, built around EGGER Natural Kendal Oak and White Chromix. “These finishes, with light terrazzo, vinyl and terracotta tile tones, gave this space a subtle playfulness,” says Tamatea.
Combining the welcoming warmth of timber with the durability of a laminate product made EGGER an obvious choice. “We love EGGER wood-based products as we find the finish of the timbers are genuine by the way the grain is interpreted.” The timber was used from the boardroom to the kitchen, where it was incorporated into a palette of EGGER White Chromix, travertine and terracotta subway tiles. “This gives unpredictable layers and textures, allowing it to feel cosy and delivering little reveals as you walk through the space.”
Blond and bubbly on one side and seriously sophisticated on the other, both areas have been transformed into desirable spaces for employers, employees and clients alike.
Interior design by Bearspace. Build by Girvan Group. Engineering by NDY. Development by Marquette Properties. Joinery by RCR Cabinet Making. Materials by EGGER. Specified by ForestOne.
