Hardie Grant headquarters
Set in Melbourne’s inner north, Hardie Grant’s new headquarters is a warm, tactile space that speaks to the art of storytelling.
Designed by Carr, the polished interiors reflect the spirit of one of Australia’s leading independent publishers – it is layered, diverse and thoughtfully composed.
Located on Level 11 of T3 Collingwood, a striking mass timber building, the 1,357-square-metre office is more than just a place to work. It’s a space that’s designed to bridge old and new while also fostering collaboration and creativity – fitting for a business with an identity shaped by the written word.
“Our brief to Carr was simple: create a space where our diverse creative teams could feel at home and do their best work,” says Jacinta Hardie-Grant, head of people, brand and strategy. “We envisioned a workplace that embodied the future of how we collaborate and create, a place that our team would be genuinely excited to come to every day. Carr not only understood this vision but genuinely brought it to life in a way that truly resonated with our team.”
Carr was brought on board early in the building selection phase, and the team’s involvement helped shape the project from the ground up. The approach centred on restraint, allowing the natural beauty of the timber structure to shine while drawing out the personality of Hardie Grant’s team through subtle materiality, texture and colour.
That intent becomes immediately apparent upon arrival. Guests are greeted by an open, light-filled space where soft, low-profile furnishings and open shelving encourage people to pause, flick through a book and settle in. The considered layout allows panoramic views and sunlight to flood the space, highlighting the urban context of Collingwood. In place of a formal reception, the entry unfolds as a relaxed lounge setting that effortlessly blends into breakout and dining areas, offering a warm first impression that sets the tone for the entire office.
“As a suburb, Collingwood reflects the lively and eclectic personality of Hardie Grant and its people,” comments Catherine Key, an associate director at Carr. “The workplace must welcome, not alienate. It needed to be both homey and inspiring to accelerate the growth of ideas.”
The approach centred on restraint, allowing the natural beauty of the timber structure to shine while drawing out the personality of Hardie Grant’s team through subtle materiality, texture and colour.
Throughout the office, layered materials evoke a comforting character. Cork flooring by Market Timbers, as well as raw MDF bookshelves and clay-toned hues in the joinery, echo the building’s unique, terracotta-coloured facade and timber structure. These elements quiet form a backdrop for the layered nature of publishing life – allowing book displays and other pops of colour to take centrestage. “The design provides the opportunity for moments of discovery,” says interior designer Kirby Humphries. “Accents of colour against the neutral base palette are scattered throughout, providing points of interest to playfully guide staff and visitors around the workplace.”
One of the more meaningful interventions is the library archive – concealed in the previous office, it’s now an active part of the daily workflow. Lining the corridor that connects the arrival space to meeting rooms, the archive pays tribute to the company’s history and invites browsing and conversation.
“Accents of colour against the neutral base palette are scattered throughout, providing points of interest to playfully guide staff and visitors around the workplace.”
The workspace itself is designed for flexibility, with a mix of meeting rooms, breakout areas and quiet zones designed to support different working styles. Throughout, selected residential-style pieces from the likes of Jardan, District and DesignByThem bring softness and warmth to the interior, which contributes to the inviting comfort of the office, while modular joinery by Melwood Joinery ensures the space can evolve alongside the business.
Carr’s design doesn’t shout. Instead, Hardie Grant’s new headquarters speaks with clarity and charm, offering an environment that feels as lived in as it is future-facing. It’s a workplace designed not just for today but for the stories yet to be written.
