Swaab Attorneys, a well-established Sydney law firm, had recently secured an additional floor within their high-rise building.
Unsatisfied with the design proposals they had received from other consultants, they approached us on the recommendation of an existing client.
Their brief called for a versatile Entertainment Area for both internal and client use: staff functions, meetings, a boardroom, cafe facilities, daytime client lunches, and more formal evening events.
After reviewing the earlier concepts, it became clear that a fresh approach was needed.
Our focus shifted toward maximising the connection between the entertainment spaces and the expansive eastern terrace, taking full advantage of natural light, views, and the opportunity to extend the usable floor area.
To achieve this, the office component on the same level, intended for short-term leasing, was divided into two zones separated by the lift core.
This strategy proved advantageous, as two smaller tenancies were easier and more profitable to lease than a single large one.
For the Entertainment Area itself, flexibility was paramount.
We introduced two sets of large double sliding doors, allowing the floor to be configured in multiple ways.
These elements create three distinct zones: the northern area with kitchen and cafe facilities, a central circulation spine, and a southern zone suitable for seminars and meetings.
Given the need for adaptable layouts, the floor was kept deliberately simple, with the ceiling becoming the primary expressive element.
A series of timber-slatted ceiling features were developed to define different areas while also functioning as ventilation registers and light coffers.
The client sought a "wow" effect, impressive but with restraint and sophistication.
This led us to explore a material palette new to our practice: rich gold-and-brown striped wallpaper, pale washed timber floors, dark Wenge and stone joinery, and light Tasmanian oak ceiling panels.
Together, these elements create a warm, refined, and unexpectedly luxurious atmosphere, distinct from what one typically encounters in a commercial high-rise interior.