Parkline Place’s premium Lobby zone delivers a dynamic ‘third space’ experience

At Sydney’s Parkline Place, Hammond Studio has led the design of the premium lobby zone, delivering an inviting, activated, and connective lobby for visitors and building tenants.

Investa engaged Hammond Studio to design the third-level lobby space to respond to the heritage and location of Parkline Place, which is situated at the nexus of Pitt, Park and Castlereagh Streets, directly above Gadigal Station. Drawing inspiration from the spirit of place, the premium lobby design mirrors the curved planes and unique geometries of the building’s architecture.

The lobby, accessible to the public via escalators, comprises two primary zones with a formal concierge and waiting area, and an activated ‘third space’ where tenants can work, meet and collaborate. “We are all creatures of habit, and we all like to gravitate to different typologies of space,” says Todd Hammond, Principal and Project Lead at Hammond Studio. “It is important that we provide a variety of settings that cater for scale, formal and informal zones, degrees of privacy (that is, acoustic and visual), and with integrated technology,” Todd says.

Hammond Studio conducted a comprehensive study with parametric modelling of circulation paths and sightlines through the lobby, using these insights to define furnished zones that maintain an inviting, human scale within the building’s impressive curves. Custom-designed joinery screens are strategically used to define these dynamic zones offering both privacy and transparency while also ensuring unobstructed views and an abundance of natural light. The screens also house the building directory and a suite of heritage photography by Sam Hood – all displayed within the screens.

Finishes have been selected to offer a richly textural and sophisticated counterpart to the building’s existing material palette. A curated mix of high-end and custom designed furnishings elevates the lobby’s amenity offering. In the public zone, sculptural travertine concierge pods anchor the space, while curved bronze panels subtly echo the building’s façade. Walnut accent details add warmth throughout, offsetting natural stone with tactile richness. Timber parquet flooring is elegantly paired with a custom gradient-toned inset rug, adding depth and cohesion to the space.

​​A series of four-metre-long solid walnut and travertine tables, each with integrated bronze Zetr power outlets, create inviting communal spaces for tenants and visitors to meet or work. Furniture selections from global brands including Maruni, Walter Knoll, Arper, and Fritz Hansen, sit alongside pieces from Australian design houses Nau and Koskela – delivering a layered, design-led environment that offers users comfort, sophistication, and variety.

Connections to nature offer a vital sense of tranquility and complete the lobby’s premium aesthetic. The neighbouring Botanic Gardens of Sydney were a rich source of inspiration for Hammond Studio, who have referenced the Gardens’ most iconic species to curate a programme of plants and greenery integrated throughout the lobby.

“We have delivered a very responsive interior layout that responds to the brief in an unorthodox, yet highly functional way and we are already seeing the positive impact this has for building tenants who are using the activated ‘third space’ zone for their morning meetings and team huddles,” says Todd.

Lobby fitout built by MPA

Custom joinery by Enth Degree Projects

Services by DBS Consulting

Base building designed by Fosters+Partners

Photography by Terence Chin. © Hammond Studio