Ormond Masters Office

by Nest Architects

Unlike the Master’s Office, the timber paneling in the Assistant’s Office creates discrete points of interest in a room with very different proportions. In this space, which is both narrow and tall, low joinery grounds the visitors eye and provides a warm and focused entry into the large office next door.

The same perforated veneer used in the acoustic paneling is used again; smaller framed panels become spaces for the hanging of temporary artworks. They are framed by solid timber with recessed LED strip lighting, which highlight the warmth of the American White Oak used throughout the project.

Ormond Masters by Nest Architects is a refit of the existing office and Assistant’s Office in a style that reflects the personality and values of the modern college.

The catalyst for the re-design was a student kicking a football into the sprinkler system situated above the masters office. Nest Architects welcomed to opportunity to help redefine the college through design.

The restrained material palette comprised of American Oak solid timber and veneer, white painted joinery and loose leather furniture, play a key role in achieving the desired light, creating a welcoming and timeless modern yet classic feel. The perforated timber panels absorb sound and add a layer of interest to the space. Material longevity, timeless design and cost effectiveness were all key consideration during the design process. The hint of blue above the picture rail references the colour of the sky outside, whilst the solid timber tabletops will age gracefully – accumulating their own history as the years go by.

Timber wall paneling in the Master’s Office acts to unify a combination of low, solid joinery and high open bookshelves which house the college’s remarkable collection of books. American White Oak veneer has been backed with an acoustic panel and perforated in a grid pattern, adding interest as well as reducing noise carried through from one of the college’s busiest hallways on the other side. Hinged veneer panels sit in front of the existing heritage listed doors, both reducing noise passing into the office and allowing the new fit out to appear continuous whilst maintaining the original link between the Master’s Office and the college’s main quadrangle.

Unlike the Master’s Office, the timber paneling in the Assistant’s Office creates discrete points of interest in a room with very different proportions. In this space, which is both narrow and tall, low joinery grounds the visitors eye and provides a warm and focused entry into the large office next door.

The same perforated veneer used in the acoustic paneling is used again; smaller framed panels become spaces for the hanging of temporary artworks. They are framed by solid timber with recessed LED strip lighting, which highlight the warmth of the American White Oak used throughout the project.

The Master’s desk is composed of a solid timber top, veneer panels and white powder coated steel, appearing simultaneously solid and light. In a condensed form, it embodies the overall design. The lightness of the white steel and solid timber tabletop are inherently modern yet the floating infill veneer panels provide an element of classic timelessness.

Nest Architects have helped to make a strong statement regarding the unique personality and values of the Ormond College through modern design and architecture.

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