AN INNER-CITY OASIS

A RELOCATION AND REDESIGN FOR A SYDNEY-BASED GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY ENHANCES COLLABORATION BETWEEN TEAMS AND FUTURE-PROOFS THE SPACE THROUGH INNOVATIVE DESIGN FEATURES.

The Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) is an independent national statutory authority, based in Sydney. It is responsible for the implementation of the National Quality Framework for children’s education and care services. Following a competitive tender process, Sheldon was appointed by ACECQA to develop and complete the design and construction of a 1450sqm office fitout and relocation for the organisations’ 120 staff.

To accommodate ACECQA’s operations for future generations, Sheldon designed an office fitout that supported the organisation’s current needs and was adaptable to future workplace changes. Sheldon’s design team worked closely with Sheldon’s internal teams including electrical/ technology and manufacturing to ensure innovation, quality and value for money was achieved. To suit ACECQA’s hybrid working arrangements and cultural objectives, Sheldon implemented several workpoints to suit a wide range of users. Key features of the spatial planning include the open plan kitchen, reception, and breakout spaces, navigated through a circular traffic flow.

Enhancing Company Culture Through Design

The project’s design direction focused on enhancing ACECQA’s company culture and inter-department collaboration whilst adhering to division specific requirements in order to boost staff attraction and collaboration. The new collaborative spaces provide ample opportunity for teams to communicate, complementing an open plan flow of workstations and breakout areas that take advantage of harbour views. These features ensure that ACECQA can facilitate a multitude of participation styles, ensuring a truly future-proofed workplace.

The technology considerations of the space also accommodate a future of hybrid working and remote communication. Highlights include the wrap-around audio system in the conference room, and the booking system implemented for meeting rooms.

TO SUIT ACECQA’S HYBRID WORKING ARRANGEMENTS AND CULTURAL OBJECTIVES, SHELDON IMPLEMENTED SEVERAL WORKPOINTS TO SUIT A WIDE RANGE OF USERS. KEY FEATURES OF THE SPATIAL PLANNING INCLUDE THE OPEN PLAN KITCHEN, RECEPTION, AND BREAKOUT SPACES, NAVIGATED THROUGH A CIRCULAR TRAFFIC FLOW.

ACECQA HAS A STRONG BRAND IDENTITY, SO IT WAS CRUCIAL FOR SHELDON TO INCORPORATE THE COMPANY’S COLOURS THROUGHOUT THEIR NEW WORKPLACE. A HIGHLIGHT OF THIS STRATEGY IS THE RED LATTICE CEILING FEATURE IN THE RECEPTION AREA. ADDITIONAL SUBTLE SPLASHES OF RED, BLUE, AND YELLOW ARE IMPLEMENTED THROUGH SOFT FURNITURE, BOARDROOM SEATING, FEATURE WALLS AND KITCHEN JOINERY.

ACECQA has a strong brand identity, so it was crucial for Sheldon to incorporate the company’s colours throughout their new workplace. A highlight of this strategy is the red lattice ceiling feature in the reception area. Additional subtle splashes of red, blue, and yellow are implemented through soft furniture, boardroom seating, feature walls and kitchen joinery. The company’s green is strongly reflected in the use of biophilia throughout the office. Beyond its environmental benefits, the planting provides a subtle division between the open plan kitchen and workstation areas.

ACECQA’s office is a contemporary, light filled space that embraces future-focused design solutions, while reflecting a cost-effective commitment to sustainability and innovative design. Bright colours and sleek timber furniture from Sheldon’s joinery division ensure the office not only provides function but is inviting and comfortable.