Stephen Rofail Architect

The headquarters of a hi-tech office and laboratory covering 1,700m2 in addition to a 20 car rooftop carpark has been developed from the adaptive reuse of a three-storey industrial building. The conversion required full fire egress and DDA compliance for a 77m deep by 13m wide three storey structure with single egress via a 13m wide street frontage consumed by a driveway ramp and a new kiosk substation. Careful assessment of egress circulation paths and stairs over three levels were required to meet building code compliance and minimise the loss of usable floor area, avoid lift installation and other cost implications.

The ground floor entry foyer and first floor office space and reception were designed and finished to reflect the importance of the space as a global company headquarters. Two larger wind tunnels were installed on the ground floor with a natural light filled model making workshop to the rear and a third slightly smaller wind tunnel was installed to the rear of the first floor.