116 Rokeby by Carr and Figurehead Group

Words by James Lyall Smith
Photography by Rory Gardiner with Colby Vexler
In Partnership with Figurehead Group

In Melbourne’s Collingwood, 116 Rokeby blends cutting-edge architectural thinking and outstanding eco credentials to set a new level of excellence in the commercial office sphere.

The realisation of a vision for a new standard in office design, 116 Rokeby by Carr and Figurehead Group is now complete and committed to providing a premium experience for Melbourne businesses.

In opposition to the prevalent work-from-home trend, 116 Rokeby presents an adaptable workspace tailored for design, property and construction experts.

In opposition to the prevalent work-from-home trend, 116 Rokeby presents an adaptable workspace tailored for design, property and construction experts. The project stands out as a pioneering blend of cutting-edge design, sustainable elements and communal facilities, and serves as a prime destination for businesses seeking stand-out commercial premises in Melbourne.

The building’s innovative features, including a double-skin facade and biophilic elements, set a new bar in productive and environmentally responsible workplaces, and 116 Rokeby has used proven, data-backed measures to develop one of the city’s premier office spaces. Targeting both Climate Active Carbon neutrality and a 5.5-Star NABERS Rating, the building is also on track to become the first in the City of Yarra area to achieve a Platinum WELL certification. “The diaphanous northern facade has environmental innovation at its core,” says Stephen McGarry, a director at Carr.

The double-skin facade positions 116 Rokeby as a monument to the future, dominating the air space above Melbourne’s inner-city skyline and acting as a subtle reminder of the power of sustainable design.

The double-skin facade positions 116 Rokeby as a monument to the future, dominating the air space above Melbourne’s inner-city skyline and acting as a subtle reminder of the power of sustainable design. The facade consists of two layers with an air gap between them, creating a chimney-like effect that optimises airflow and allows for passive heating and cooling. The outer layer provides shading through concrete fins, reducing solar gain while allowing light to illuminate the interiors. The inner layer is equipped with operable windows, giving occupants direct access to fresh air and enabling them to control ventilation.

A true collaboration between two innovators of the Melbourne design scene, 116 Rokeby transports the city skyline back to the era of brutalism, perfectly encapsulating Collingwood’s industrial heritage through a combination of exposed concrete, steel and carefully crafted finishes, creating an environment that blends durability with creativity. The use of galvanised steel in the joinery embodies this ethos, reinforcing the building’s aesthetic while providing a functional and resilient workspace for the two floors that host Figurehead’s team.

The project stands out as a pioneering blend of cutting-edge design, sustainable elements and communal facilities, and serves as a prime destination for businesses seeking stand-out commercial premises in Melbourne.

“We want the space to be inspiring and motivate people to come and do their best work,” says Joe Grasso, founder and managing director of Figurehead Group. “Our business is focused on continuous improvement, ensuring we create a product that’s the absolute best in market. 116 Rokeby is a part of this story, and the building features spaces to support innovation and ensure the office is a great place to work.”

Establishing a new level of excellence in Australian office design, 116 Rokeby is the perfect counterpoint to the work-from-home culture, giving businesses the opportunity to grow and thrive within the confines of a building destined to become a landmark in its Collingwood locale.

Architecture and interior design by Carr. Build by Figurehead Construction. Landscape design by Eckersley Garden Architecture. Development by Figurehead Property.