Reinventing the Workplace – The Hayesbery by Woods Bagot with Living Edge

Goodman Australia’s new Sydney flagship office rejects the traditional static nature of a working environment, instead embracing an open and light-filled space that allows flexibility and encourages a sense of movement. Woods Bagot, in partnership with Living Edge, has reinvigorated the industrial workspace, achieving dynamic warmth and balance.

The Hayesbery is an illustration of how quality design can fundamentally reinvigorate a space. Through a purposeful understanding of movement and usage, Woods Bagot has transformed the building’s internal and external areas in a way that enhances both usability and efficiency. The site was originally home to a hat factory, and it was important to both Goodman Australia and Woods Bagot to honour the space’s industrial heritage. Textured materiality plays an important role in this – specifically through the use of brick, metal and timber – with the aim to keep or restore whenever possible. This sustainable focus was integral to the design of the internal spaces, as resource wastage was kept to a minimum. To contrast against the coolness of the structure’s industrial foundations, a warm tonality was chosen for the office interiors.

To contrast against the coolness of the structure’s industrial foundations, a warm tonality was chosen for the office interiors.

The four original buildings were transformed to become a modern headquarters, providing a diverse range of functional and comfortable work stations. The campus-style workplace is one way the structure embraces flexible working methods – Woods Bagot designed multiple diverse working stations and areas to be accessible for all employees. Walter Knoll’s Jaan Living Sofas are featured in the office breakout spaces, positioned around Walter Knoll Oki Occasional Tables, integrated technology and screens. Designed to be an efficient space, The Hayesbery similarly focuses on the mental and physical wellbeing of employees. Flooded with natural light, there is also immediate access to fresh air and outdoor working spaces.

Living Edge worked alongside Woods Bagot, assisting in selecting key interior furnishings placed throughout the workspaces, meeting rooms, lobby, break-out areas and the communal café. The selection of innovative furniture was important in regard to mental and physical wellbeing, most specifically the desk chairs chosen for the open plan. “The workspace being designed for flexibility, nobody had an assigned seat,” says Kori Todd, Goodman Senior Design Manager. “We wanted a chair that had maximum ergonomics and that’s what the Herman Miller Cosm Chair did for us.” The Cosm Chair is designed to improve blood circulation, alleviate fatigue and increase mobility – similarly, so is the chosen Work Stool within the collaborative work areas. Regardless of body size of position, the Cosm Chair’s structure allows for significant support and comfort when working.

The innovative nature of The Hayesbery’s internal layout promotes a conscious consideration for the usability of space, imbued with an air of domestic comfort.

Each piece was sustainably chosen for its ability to last, with the idea that it can be renewed for future users. Aidan Mawhinney, CEO of Living Edge, explains, “each piece of furniture featured in The Hayesbery has inherent quality that will last a lifetime, and yet can also be refurbished and repurposed for the next generation of what this workplace might be.” These sustainable design principles are interwoven throughout the integral fabric of The Hayesbery, with respect given to the factory’s past, present and future. The innovative nature of The Hayesbery’s internal layout promotes a conscious consideration for the usability of space, imbued with an air of domestic comfort. “We are proud to have collaborated on this project,” Aidan says, “and, in doing so, dive deeper into our commitment to the design industry by promoting greater awareness and education about end-user health and wellbeing.”

Through Woods Bagot and Living Edge’s thoughtful design, The Hayesbery dynamically invigorates productivity, wellbeing and usability.