Holley Nethercote Offices – Melbourne
Vemi completed the Holley Nethercote offices with a modern design and natural light in Melbourne, Australia.
Holley Nethercote engaged Vemi to complete the design and construction of their new Melbourne office fitout. Sitting within the 140 William Street tower, this prime location boasts uninterrupted, 360 degree city views of Melbourne’s buzzing business district. The project was driven by a variety of factors, including the aspiration to cultivate an energising atmosphere, striking a balance between the need for privacy and an open, non-hierarchical layout. Similar to many Melbourne-based businesses, there was a focus on creating an inviting, personalised environment that encourages staff to return to the office. Additionally, the site conditions provided opportunities to enhance on natural light and maximize scenic views, considerations that were thoughtfully integrated into the various design phases.
The design drew inspiration from HN Law’s primary branding colors, resulting in a neutral color scheme infused with warm timbers, soft materials, and various blue hues. The design goals were to create a versatile and inclusive workspace that supports diverse working styles, fosters collaboration, social interactions, and effective communication. We wanted to capture the ambitious personality of HN Law by designing a vibrant new space with an inviting and welcoming feeling.
The zones that showcase these characteristics most prominently are the front of house welcoming area and boardroom journey. Upon entering, occupants are greeted by a captivating panorama of the city, amplified by abundant natural light elevating textures and materiality. This welcome area incorporates banquette seating along the windows, a well-equipped kitchen with bench-style seating, and an expansive lounge space designed to serve dual purposes as both a casual meeting venue and a flexible workspace for laptop use or impromptu discussions. Subtle curvature in the walls of the corridor entry acts as an organic guide, smoothly ushering occupants to the boardroom and remainder of the office.
Divided by an operable wall down the center, the boardroom serves a dual purpose. It transforms into a large, formal meeting space intended to impress clients and foster impactful discussions. Then it can easily convert into two smaller, practical meeting rooms tailored for more intimate collaborative sessions. The importance of having the flexibility to configure meeting rooms according to the meeting’s size is paramount in facilitating effective conversation, correct acoustics and ensuring the comfort of occupants.
When selecting furniture, fittings and fixtures we prioritized Australian made specifications and sourcing from local suppliers. This decision held significant importance for both HN Law and the Vemi design team. Collaborating closely with local suppliers, we tailored a furniture and lighting scheme that aligned with our vision while upholding sustainable practices. Additionally, we were able to reuse of specific kitchen equipment items and appliances, further aligning with our environmentally conscious approach.
As with any project, challenges were present, including a tight schedule and longer procurement lead times for critical elements. However, our dedicated team navigated through these small hurdles ensuring a seamless coordination that culminated in a high-quality finish for our valued client. This project marks yet another venture within the legal space. HN Law engaged Vemi based on our successful completion of a Nodco, a previous project for another Melbourne based law firm.
Design: Vemi
Photography: Chris Murray
