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Located on Level 8 at 150 Lonsdale Street, this project involved creating three distinctive Speculative Suites poised to stand out in Melbourne’s competitive office market. The overarching design narrative is deeply inspired by the historical significance of the surrounding Wesley Place precinct, capturing the area’s rich blend of artwork, cultural heritage, and architectural legacy. The design draws direct inspiration from the precinct’s vibrant history, combining contemporary workplace needs with thoughtful nods to the past. This approach ensures that the suites are not only functional and innovative but also culturally enriched spaces.

Suite 8.1: The Precinct
The concept for Suite 8.1 is inspired by the urban landscape and the juxtaposition of the refined architectural built form and the Wesley church gardens. The design pays homage to the area’s heritage through thoughtful layout and textured elements, harmonising with the precinct’s urban history and original foundations. Reflective chrome finishes echo the architectural built form, while a moss green palette brings the outdoors inside. Bespoke joinery details unify these elements, creating a refined and tranquil space that offers a serene environment for its users.

Suite 8.2: Quandong
Suite 8.2 draws inspiration from the Indigenous artworks displayed throughout the Wesley Place precinct, particularly an artwork that represents the 38 branches of Indigenous languages spoken by Australia’s First Nations people. This influence is reflected in the design through organic shapes and natural materials, including representations of quandong seeds and echidna quills. A standout feature of this suite is the entry, which features a locally sourced, clay-rendered wall from Victorian company Ot Clay. This unique, textured feature ties the design to the region’s natural landscape, offering both visual impact and tactile warmth, while paying homage to the cultural heritage of the area.

Suite 8.3: Archaeology
The design of Suite 8.3 is inspired by a significant archaeological discovery made in 2017, where the remains of early European settlement were uncovered just below the current ground level. This concept highlights the historical connection between the building and the city’s early foundations. The suite incorporates neutral tones and textures that evoke the warmth of sandstone and the deep layers of history uncovered during the excavations. Organic, curved forms within the joinery and hues of beige, terracotta, and rust reflect the layered earth and clay beneath the city’s surface, creating a harmonious, serene atmosphere within the space.

Supporting Local Communities and Sustainable Practices
Vemi’s commitment to supporting local businesses is evident in the collaboration with Winya, an Indigenous-owned company, which provided workstations and booth seating for the project. The use of Australian-designed and made furniture, along with sustainable products throughout the fitouts, aligns with Charter Hall’s values and leasing targets. This not only supports local industries but also ensures that the design has a minimal environmental impact.

Design Challenges and Successful Outcome
The northern end of the building is overshadowed by a larger structure, limiting natural light in Suites 8.1 and 8.2. To address this, Vemi’s utilised strategic colour palettes and lighting to create bright, open, and inviting spaces despite the reduced light exposure. The result is two very distinct yet welcoming environments, each unique in its design approach but equally effective in fostering an engaging workplace.

Charter Hall have expressed their satisfaction with the design and quality of the fitouts, with the larger suite even leased before construction was fully completed. The speculative suites have since attracted market interest, underscoring the success of Vemi’s ability to fuse history, heritage, and innovative design to create workspaces that are not only functional but also deeply connected to the history and character of their surroundings.

Design: Vemi
Services: NDY
Project Management: Charter Hall
Photography: Nathan K Davis