Timber Materiality – ECP Asset Management Office by Hammond Studio

Showcasing an immersive approach to design, Hammond Studio establishes a calming environment in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Designed for boutique asset management company ECP, the serene office space sees American maple used to reflect the brand’s significant ethos.

Overlooking the high-end stores of Apple, Louis Vuitton and Georg Jensen, the ECP Asset Management Office occupies a coveted corner position on Sydney’s famous George Street. Whilst the street is a fitting location for the Australian equities fund manager – renowned for connecting some of the most important buildings in the city and home to some of the country’s largest listed companies – its reputation as one of the busiest streets in Sydney required reconciliation within the desired office working environment. The building itself is formerly the headquarters of one of the leading banks in New South Wales and demanded a bespoke spatial outcome to maintain visual connectivity across the office floor.

Hammond Studio defines the ECP Office with American hard maple, seeing the materiality of the interior palette play a vital role in the design’s success.

Solving the atypical brief, Hammond Studio uses a curve motif to establish a calculated flow of private and communal working areas, providing subtle zonal delineation whilst effortlessly guiding visitors through the office. Contained within the sculptural setting is a screened open-plan work area sitting in harmony with enclosed meeting rooms, which in turn lead smoothly to an elegant social space. Expressing adaptable design, the conference room can be transformed into a dining room in the event of a business function. Refined timber door handles by Tirar neatly contrast the broader design gestures throughout the office space.

Hammond Studio defines the ECP Office with American hard maple, seeing the materiality of the interior palette play a vital role in the design’s success. Adorning the curving architecture is WoodWall by Elton Group whilst the kitchen sees joinery and ceiling panels feature crown-cut maple veneer. “At the start of every project, we establish which species of timber best represents the project persona and objectives,” explains Todd Hammond, Director of Hammond Studio. “The ECP brand and leadership is vibrant and youthful, and so a brighter tone timber species was sought.”

Consistently applied, hard maple unifies the interior space, creating a steadying internal environment that promotes productivity.

Originally considered for the interior space were both Tasmanian oak and American red or white oak. The decision to use American hard maple marked an active embrace of a brightly toned palette, reflecting the vibrant nature of the ECP brand. “We felt that these alternative timbers did not achieve the same warm glow that maple provides,” notes Todd. Consistently applied, hard maple unifies the interior space, creating a steadying internal environment that promotes productivity. In addition, the sustainable timber pays homage to the ethical practices performed by ECP. “We always select sustainable timber materials,” says Todd. “If it doesn’t have the proven environmental credentials, it’s not on our list.”

Undaunted by the surrounding city environment, Hammond Studio crafts a tranquil office space for ECP Asset Management. The completed project demonstrates a mastery over materiality, respectfully articulating the company’s brand in a manner that champions ethos, function and quality.