Today Design Workplace by Studio Edwards

Dedicated to constructing spaces that foster collaboration and innovation, Studio Edwards has created a highly sustainable workplace for digital agency Total Design.

Located in Melbourne’s energetic neighbourhood of Collingwood, Today Design Workplace offers a harmonious balance between work and nature. Studio Edwards was keen to emphasise sustainable design when tasked with creating the new office space. Crafted from timber framing, oriented strand board (OSB) and translucent corrugated sheeting, the main office space is bathed in natural light while still offering a sense of privacy.

The space has a circulation pathway purposefully designed to encourage interaction and collaboration between teams.

With Studio Edwards’ commitment to leaving zero waste behind, the workspace is built from ready-made materials without applied finishes. Additionally, the interior walls were based on a standard material sheet size, which helps to minimise the need for cutting and, in turn, material waste.

From the tapered timber entry portal, employees and visitors are welcomed into a reception area, waiting lounge and expansive gallery event space. In the centre of the reception area is the circular greeting desk, which has been cocooned in spools of recycled denim for acoustic purposes as well as tactile comfort. To delineate project zones, sliding track elements are employed overhead, while hinged walls, whiteboard surfaces and hinged panels have been fixed to columns. The space has a circulation pathway purposefully designed to encourage interaction and collaboration between teams. Additionally, all wall panels have been installed to be movable, allowing for a dynamic work environment.

Translucent wall panels wrap the meeting spaces while an informal lounge area with scaffolded lounge modules looks out to the surrounding views.

Complementing the open workspaces are a series of smaller work pods, video conferencing suites and meeting rooms. Translucent wall panels wrap the meeting spaces, adding a welcoming sense of warmth, while an informal lounge area with scaffolded lounge modules looks out to the surrounding views. Over the remaining 900-square-metre workspace, a kitchen and library serve as a backdrop to the primary circulation path, which then leads to the presentation area and seamlessly connects to adjoining studio rooms beyond.

A key element of the project was including opportunities for client collaboration. Studio Edwards supplied abundant wall space for whiteboards and magnetic panel systems in collaborative work areas. Additionally, two central tool zones are equipped with materials to help facilitate brainstorming. The workspace also features a moveable, two-tone timber project table with a built-in toolbox of equipment.

Studio Edwards supplied abundant wall space for whiteboards and magnetic panel systems in collaborative work areas.

A testament to Studio Edwards’ commitment to sustainable design and collaborative work, Today Design Workplace fosters the ideas and creativity of clients, collaborators and teammates while also giving them a space to flourish.

Architecture, interior design and furniture design by Studio Edwards. Build by McCormack Property Services. Structural engineering by FORM Engineers. Services contracting by Aston Consulting.