Law Council of Australia Offices – Canberra
Spaceful designed Law Council of Australia’s office in Canberra, focusing on a welcoming, productive workspace inspired by the local environment, with emphasis on light, color, and sustainability.
Having previously occupied two separate buildings, Law Council wanted to bring their staff together in a single location to foster a stronger sense of community, and at the same time, consolidate and reduce overhead costs. Set over two floors, the new Law Council office is located on Braddon’s bustling Lonsdale Street, a growth area for mixed use developments with close proximity to the CBD.
The overarching goal for this project was to deliver an outstanding workplace in which their people would enjoy working and in turn, attract and retain the best talent.
To achieve this, Spaceful developed a comprehensive workplace strategy centred around two key considerations: people and place. The primary focus was to create an exceptional workspace that not only facilitated productivity but also provided a welcoming and peaceful environment.
The space was designed to prioritise the unique needs and experiences of Law Council’s people, by providing a space that would foster face-to-face collaboration, strengthen in-person connections and empower individuals.
Many of the design elements are inspired by the local environment, such as the warm leather and timber detailing in the bespoke joinery and furniture, whilst the bronze metal finishes act as a subtle nod to the legal profession.
Lighting design plays an important role in establishing continuity throughout the space. Ceilings are fitted with organic LED strip lights that act as a striking architectural wayfinding feature. These lights loop around the workspaces across both levels, mimicking the winding pathways around the foreshores of Lake Burley Griffin.
Luminous stretched ceilings radiate a soft light that instantly envelops the space, complementing the soft interiors and creating a sense of comfort. Created to mimic skylights, these ceilings were thoughtfully integrated into the space to increase the perception of natural light, without changing the existing structure of the building. Timber framing complements the joinery throughout, as well as the tree-lined streets of Braddon.
A harmonious colour palette was carefully chosen to reflect the changing seasons in the Canberra Region. Rich, burgundy-coloured features in the carpets, venetian plaster along the walls and pale shades of green, pink and browns were strategically incorporated throughout the space. This warm colour palette enhances the overall ambiance in the space, creating a calming and inviting atmosphere for employees and visitors alike.
Perforated ceilings were introduced in the back-of-house area to delineate different team neighbourhoods. Accompanied by the organic lines of the LED strip lights and large format floor tiles, these ceilings act as another visual guide that leads individuals from the front of house to the back.
The space offers a peaceful yet professional environment that deviates from the traditional notion of a commercial workplace. A variety of soft furnishings and rich textures adds a sense of calmness while still maintaining functionality and professionalism.
The layout of the space was carefully planned to optimise workflow and provide easy access to essential amenities. Two circulating corridors seamlessly connect the front and back-of-house facilities, ensuring efficient movement and connectivity.
In line with Law Council’s commitment to sustainability, Spaceful designed the workplace with a 5-star Green Star rating in mind using materials such as recycled milk bottles that have been cleverly repurposed into acoustic panelling.
Design: Spaceful
Photography: courtesy of Spaceful
