Westpac Banking Corporation – Singapore Regional Headquarters

Firm
  • Client Westpac,
  • size 38,000 sqft
  • Year 2014
  • Location Singapore,
  • Industry Financial / Investments,
  • Realys Design and Build has completed Westpac Banking Corporation’s Regional Headquarters in Singapore.

    The new office boasts stunning views as it spans two high floors of Asia Square Tower 2, one of Singapore’s most high profile buildings and awarded top accolades in environmental sustainability. Completed at the end of July, 2014, this project marks another design milestone for Realys.

    The aesthetic of the office— led by Creative Director Kelly Hiew, invites one on an unexpected adventure, with its design narrative weaving its way through diverse Australian encounters; from the outback, to blue oceans and sandy beaches; coastal cities and wild and untamed bush. Kelly adds, “The workplace is designed to be explored, to inspire, and to embrace Westpac’s heritage as Australia’s First Bank. The interiors are inspired by Australia’s many diverse environments and have been designed to stimulate the senses and create a welcoming and engaging experience for all.”

    Westpac’s aspiration was to create an inspiring and engaging place to work for its employees, as it looks to develop deep relationships in the region and expand its capabilities to service its growing customer base. Design concepts transpired from a thorough investigation process, including a series of interviews, assessing user requirements, spatial analysis and workplace characteristics. This pre-design work also enabled Realys to capture the leadership vision for the new workspace.

    First impression of the new premise sets its sight on a bright and sleek reception lobby— merging inspirations from an ‘outback’ feel. The client waiting area celebrates the breathtaking view of the Singapore skyline, setting itself as the perfect backdrop for the lounge furniture settings, fashioned with accent colours and unique patterns. The full height windows within the parameters allow natural daylight to illuminate deeply into the space, adding an instant appeal to compliment the design setting.

    The flow of the space takes one to a few client-facing meeting rooms, engineered with first-class acoustic and audio-visual performance. Lively colours add excellent contrast to the different rooms, striking out of wall panels and floor finishes— evoking the diverse personalities of each meeting room. Doors that pivot offer flexible functions; dividing rooms or transforming them into a larger space.

    The open office encompasses an appropriate mix of spaces, collaborative work areas, focus rooms, utility areas and meeting rooms. Open discussions happen along the edge of the floor plates— where natural daylight floods in, presenting open and spectacular views on every side of the office.

    Translating Westpac’s ambition for a connected environment a staircase links the two floors. This then leads into ‘The Pantry’ – a hub for conversation. Comfortable, inviting beach-themed space that is the perfect setting for a lunch break, employee social event or just a quick catch up over coffee to discuss the next grand plan.

    “We aim to take our clients on a journey together, and we strongly believe our approach is our way to communicate our ‘single point of difference’, an experience like no other,” said Andrew Carmichael, Director of Realys. He added, “Our team has worked really hard from the beginning through to the end, driven by one solid purpose: to create a positive experience for Westpac, translating their vision into a space to reflect their story, unique culture, professionalism and approach to business.”

    Design: Realys Design and Build
    Fitout contractor: ISG Construction
    System furniture: Haworth
    Carpets: Shaw / SMJ
    System Wall partitions: JEB
    Loose furnitures: BW Furniture, Stylecraft, Comfort
    Furniture for multi-function room: Wilkhahn, Vitra
    Lighting: Flair Illume
    Fabric wall panels: Kvadrat
    Moss balls: Greenology
    Photography: Owen Raggett