The Crown and The Canopy

Sophisticated and unconventional – This exclusive members lounge raises the bar on workplace amenity

Masterful handling of complex architectural propositions once again comes to the fore in the design of this Sydney headquarters, delivered for a major lifestyle brand. Most notable in this project are the internal architectural forms that characterise the exclusive members lounge, sited on the upper most floor of the Poly Centre (Grimshaw). The building’s subtle curves extend all the way up onto the roofline to level 25 where Hammond has delivered a sophisticated solution, unconventional in concept and flawless in its quality of execution.

This dedicated employee-only social area encompasses lunch and cafe area, terrace, playroom, boardroom and ‘town hall’ facilities. For the boardroom Hammond Studio has designed a freestanding structure with a dramatically peaking roofline that is reminiscent of Herzog and de Meuron’s Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall in Hamburg, Germany.

“Hammond Studio demonstrated nothing but professionalism throughout the project. They brought a collaborative approach to the design and recognised our unique culture very early on.  The final design is superb, perfectly complementing how we work as an organisation”. – Lifestyle Client

This complex, integrated structure with its crown-like geometries sits effortlessly within the building’s envelope. It is neighboured by a second freestanding structure (which houses multiple functions), whose canopied form echoes that of a tree. Finishes throughout reflect Hammond’s commitment to quality, sustainable finishes, including all-FSC-certified timbers; the freestanding structures with their sophisticated geometric forms have been achieved using plaster moulds and applied finishes in warm tones selected to reference nature. Connecting the social floor with three working floors below is the central stair with an integrated light wall. Smart, simple and sophisticated in its resolution, the wall features waves of dimmable light which ripple through the height of the space.

“This is a truly unique solution for a very unique space. The incredible design resolution speaks volumes of Hammond Studio’s approach to interior architecture and our willingness to look beyond the paradigms of common working environments to conceive an extraordinary solution that meets and exceeds the client’s brief,” says Hammond Studio Director, Todd Hammond.

Photography by Terence Chin. Images © Hammond Studio