Overview
BBC Worldwide ANZ’s (BBCW) new Sydney office is a visual representation of their solidarity and quality as a business. Designed around their open plan work philosophy, it encourages staff interaction through various communal rooms and areas.
The interior design was driven by the client’s desire for an industrial style office. The use of timber was essential as it brought an aesthetic warmth to an otherwise cold space. Its application in the space was used to delineate public facing areas from staff areas, assist in wayfinding, contribute visual warmth to the space and add sophistication to various custom lighting elements.
The use of an engineered timber ensured consistency and quality, both values at the centre of BBCW’s workplace. As such, this same timber look was used throughout the office in various applications to create a visual continuity.
Structure
Application of the timber included wall cladding, ceiling cladding, use on bespoke lighting fixtures and internal surface finish to custom meeting pods, as well as cladding to the bespoke lighting fixtures seen in the reception and boardroom.
Where the timber has been used to clad walls and ceilings, special consideration was given to ensure a seamless finish, achieved through the technique of ‘secret nailing’ all boards to the substrate and treating corners with a mitred cut and flush timber strip, ensuring a strengthened edge.
It became clear during the design process that the appearance and consistency of the timber was important to BBCW’s work environment. After much consideration it became evident that an engineered timber would meet those requirements, and was therefore specified on the project.
The other driving force behind this selection was the client’s budget. The quantity of timber was substantial and therefore needed to fall within the budget constraints. Other options were considered, such as natural and recycled timbers, however it was decided that due to purchase cost and ongoing maintenance costs, the engineered timber was the right decision.
Interior
The design is a strong coupling of form and function. BBCW had many practical requirements of their new office space, with equally strong design requirements seen through the innovative use of a warm timber in their industrial style space.
From the outset, the design called for a dark brown timber that would bring a visual warmth to the public facing interior spaces of this office. This was important for BBCW as they wanted their industrial style office, but needed to ensure it was still warm and inviting to the numerous staff and visitors who inhabit this space daily.
The timber style selected was one of many options presented but was selected as it had a visual appearance that was desirable for the client’s workplace and aligned with their values of consistency and quality.
Bespoke lighting features were created and clad with timber panels. The use of timber on the bespoke lighting elements leaves an impression of warmth, creativity and ingenuity in the boardroom and reception spaces.
