The new GBCSA offices were designed to bring to life the philosophy of the organisation and set the standards of green office design, applying the principles of sustainable design and testing the feasibility and application of the new Green Star SA Commercial Interiors Rating Tool.

The space demonstrates the organisation’s corporate culture, one of openness and knowledge sharing, and is visually engaging, interactive, and accessible. An open plan working area was adopted and encourages mobility within a non-hierarchical environment, with areas of more privacy created for those meeting requiring focus.

Sculptural features use recycled timber from the site scaffolding, and reclaimed or recycled timber found on site. Nature has been brought into the office spaces with a living wall of plants, planted room dividers, and a herb wall. Natural light is encouraged across the space, with solar controlled mesh window blinds to regulate light levels and glare, linked to a graded lighting system, ensuring energy efficiency and comfort.

The challenges of applying green building principles within an existing building required creative and innovative solutions to ensure that the interior is an example of best practice for GBCSA, and gave Collaboration the opportunity to test ideas and theories with a client committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable design.