83 Pirie Street by Woods Bagot

Workplace culture has undoubtedly shifted in the post-pandemic world, with many employees preferring the comfort of home rather than the traditional office. This predicament has become a challenge for design professionals and, in this instance, Woods Bagot sought to address it by transforming an underutilised site in Adelaide’s CBD into a 21-level tower grounded in the idea of work-life balance.

While most high-rises tend to stand out in Adelaide, 83 Pirie Street is distinct in other ways. Standing at the corner site, one directly faces a robust brick podium, before casting eyes upwards to glimpse the delicate glazed glass of the upper levels reflecting hurried movements of the street below. The building also engages with the streetscape in a more tangible sense – end-of-trip facilities, a street-facing wellness amenity and retail outlets create a vibrant shared laneway. Meanwhile, alternating inset glazing panels and deep mullions provide a textural surface, enhancing shading and mitigating glare for passers-by.

Despite being a distinctly contemporary building, the design is informed by the historical fabric of the area. The lower brick section subtly connects 83 Pirie Street to the heritage facade of the neighbouring property, while retail outlets reference the site’s past as a residential high street.

Once inside, the dynamic character of the tower is immediately apparent. The space merges hospitality, wellness and commercial functions with ease. A side-core configuration allows for flexibility, complemented by warm timber hues, soft tones and a neutral palette, replicating the welcoming atmosphere of home.

Ultimately designed to provide a nourishing space as well as a professional workplace, 83 Pirie Street features a wellness centre and a north-facing roof terrace that offers tranquil spaces to sit, move, breathe and connect with nature, with vistas of the hills and city skyline. Similarly, an abundance of natural light and ventilation further encourages productivity and comfort.

A holistic office with a deep consideration of context, 83 Pirie Street signals a new era for flexible, dynamic workplaces in Adelaide. In doing so, Woods Bagot sets an exciting precedent for considered workplace design.

Architecture and interior design by Woods Bagot. Build by Multiplex. Landscape design by Aspect Studios. Facade engineering by Arup. Services engineering by BESTEC. Structural engineering by Wallbridge Gilbert Aztec.