Capital Health Network Offices – Canberra
Spaceful’s design for the Capital Health Network offices in Canberra creates a sustainable, inclusive workspace that harmonizes with CHN’s mission and artistic identity, enhancing connectivity and functionality across diverse work zones.
Capital Health Network, headquartered in Canberra, is a not-for-profit healthcare organisation dedicated to improving healthcare services in the region. Having previously occupied two floors, CHN experienced disconnection as well as limitations due to sub-par building quality. Their new workspace highlights the company’s commitment to building a sustainable, modern, and efficient workspace that embodies their culture and mission.
Spaceful conducted an in-depth workplace strategy assessment for CHN, employing a mix of ethnographic research techniques. The assessment highlighted several opportunities that CHN’s new workplace could support them in achieving:
• A connected workplace environment from both a virtual as well as in-person experience.
• An engaging environment that encourages office attendance.
• A wider range of work zones to align with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I).
• A scalable floor plan to accommodate headcount fluctuations and project requirements.
• Sustainability and eco-friendly practices.Spaceful guided CHN in selecting a prime location property that enabled a tailored fit-out to effectively address all challenges identified in the initial workplace strategy assessment.
The design draws significant inspiration from CHN’s commissioned artwork, “Sunrise to Sunset,” created by Indigenous artist Sarah Richards. With the artist’s approval, Spaceful thoughtfully wove the artwork’s themes of new horizons, serenity, and infinite possibilities into the space to reinforce the concept of ‘peak health.’
Upon entering, visitors and staff are welcomed by a custom-designed desk, crafted in the shape of CHN’s logo. Created by DEFY, a company that uses recycled plastic to create innovative pieces, the desk blends CHN’s brand aesthetic with functionality and a narrative-driven design. The adjacent boardroom, accessible via operable walls, opens into the reception area, transforming the space into a versatile event venue.
To appeal to today’s workforce, the space includes a variety of work areas to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). It features a blend of low and high-buzz areas, including quiet zones, focus pods, a wellness room, meeting rooms, and breakout spaces. Spaceful designed these zones to support both focused work and collaboration, further supporting CHN’s commitment to inclusivity. The new layout also improves space efficiency, providing more workstations than the previous larger office while aligning more closely with CHN’s growth mindset.
Spaceful collaborated with FF&3, a circular economy service provider, to reduce landfill waste on this project. FF&3 uses proprietary technology to catalogue assets and develop strategies for reuse and repurpose, reduce carbon emissions and maximise positive social impact. As a result, 257 items were reused, and 56 items were donated to charities such as Doris, Vinnies, and ALS, ultimately diverting 60% of the total volume from landfill. Spaceful also reduced demolition waste and costs by repurposing an existing spec-fit in one section of the space, seamlessly integrating it into the new design.
Spaceful also optimised the design to reduce overall CAPEX outlay, enhancing the sustainability outcome for the project. With solar-powered base building plant and equipment, and a Gold WiredScore rating, the building further reflects CHN’s commitment to sustainability.
Design: Spaceful
Photography: Adam McGrath
Now editing content for LinkedIn.