Reminiscent of a luxury penthouse or boutique hotel, the newly occupied headquarters of leading property investment firm Memocorp sits atop 259 George Street in the heart of Sydney’s financial district. Residing on level 42 of the prestigious tower, the wraparound 360-degree views showcase the intoxicating panorama of Sydney’s skyline and provide endless sunlight, framing The Stella Collective’s narrative design concept, ‘Let The Light In’.
The client’s brief was to create an office that reflects their care for reimagining buildings, embracing the tension between new and old, with a respect for history and a clear vision for the future.
Stella focused on creating a warm domestic feel that blurred the lines of genuine hospitality and workplace, encouraging the feeling of freedom and open space. Like the best of bespoke design, custom details are everywhere, from the wall lights to seating. Even the building reserves were harnessed, allowing for extended ceiling heights, throwing open the possibility of yet more light.
The Stella Collective’s signature – feel good finishes and beautifully crafted joinery – banishes conformative corporate traditions typical of most office spaces. As such, Memocorp’s headquarters throws away corporate design rules of the past, reinterpreting them for the workplace of today. There are defined areas to eat, work, play and unwind; yet everything feels connected. Light flows from room to room with large steel-framed glazing replacing typically closed-off meeting rooms.
The interior palette has been carefully curated with a perfect balance of warm finishes including soft oak timber, organic linen, the confidence of blackened steel, and elegant touches of brass. A sleek custom reception desk formed from stone and brass greets you upon entry as you descend into the sunken reception area, opening your eyes and your senses to the incredible panoramic view. The layout flows from this central greeting area to a gym, where yoga matts can be laid for morning stretches, a full commercial kitchen on hand for parties and events, and the work area where all desks are bathed in abundant natural light,
revitalizing the soul as the day progresses.
A key challenge was to fulfill the vast space with layers of elegantly crafted elements whilst still operating as a highly functional office space. The scope of work traversed the entire 1,000 square metre space, painstakingly designing every detail, from the custom lift indicator lights, to the ven- tilation grills. This approach allows for a strict palette that reflects a feeling of wellbeing
and attention to detail at every turn.
It was important for The Stella Collective and Memocorp to respect and understand the building’s design history, (circa 1980’s ) whilst embracing the future and ensuring the brand and its vision would transcend through time for years to come.
In the bathrooms where natural light was not possible, The Stella Collective designed custom wallpaper using photographer Brooke Holm’s imagery of the Nevada desert. This creates a wonderful sensory effect – warm, moody and meditative. A moment of calm during the busy work- ing day that nurtures the senses and inspires the mind before employees head back to their desk.
With The Stella Collective placing wellness-at-work center-stage, the experience for Memocorp’s employees and visitors alike is far from what we are used to in commercial workplaces. Here healthy living and working with a smile is both encouraged and embraced.