Full floor speculative suite for a commercial property developer with extensive entertainment area showcases Sheldon’s design and construction expertise.
Guiding property developer JQZ through their first commercial interior project, Sheldon’s team created a space that satisfies the needs of evolving work styles and houses a generous socialisation area. Leased prior to the completion of the project, this design pushed the boundaries of what a speculative office suite can achieve.
The client’s brief leveraged Sheldon’s expertise in crafting speculative suites that stand out in the market and seamlessly integrate with the overall aesthetic of new developments. Detailed planning and conversations ensured the suites would not only attract potential tenants but surpass competing buildings in terms of quality and value, highlighting the value of this new commercial hub in the northern Sydney suburb of St Leonards. Sheldon’s expertise, deep understanding of the client’s vision, and ability to translate that vision into actionable plans helped refine the initial inquiry into a well-defined and comprehensive brief.
COLLABORATION ENABLED THROUGH A SEAMLESS FLOW OF SPACES
A standout feature of this 1155sqm space is the large open plan breakout area, designed and constructed for the entrance of the suite to accommodate for several uses, from entertaining, events and gatherings, to larger team meetings. The space consists of a generous kitchen break area, a town hall presentation space with tiered amphitheatre seating, reception, and a client lounge area that flows into the board room. These elements flow seamlessly, promoting a collaborative and social work environment that will cater to the needs of both the tenants and their clients. The commitment to activity based working through the diversity of spaces accommodates for evolving and new companies, future proofing the space for a wide range of tenancies.
A CALMING LIBRARY RETREAT
The library, a unique inclusion to this fitout, provides a calm focus area. The dark features of the space, frosted window, and acoustic ceiling panels achieve a positive sensory experience and can act as a retreat for those
requiring quiet time throughout the day. The inclusion of this space adds a spatial modality to the suite that provides variety to clients in addition to the collaborative and social areas. An adherence to acoustic and wellness based design captivates users and accommodates for a range of preferences.
A TIMELESS DESIGN
To match the flexibility and future focus of the workpoints in the suite, the materiality and palette designed for the space is timeless, with a subtle sophistication making the most of natural finishes and biophilia. The standout material highlight is the elegant stone bench top in the front of house kitchen, paired with dark joinery and a small tree rising from the kitchen island (birch to match the colour of the stone). Additional design highlights include the scalloped meeting room table legs, translucent curtains to open and enclose the library and collaboration areas, and arched partitions in the entrance to the library as well as the quiet focus booths in the workstation area.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability was a key feature and target of this project, reflecting the values of both JQZ and Sheldon. JQZ took a proactive step by involving a Green Star consultant who thoroughly reviewed the documentation before any orders were placed, ensuring compliance with sustainability standards. The building is targeting a 5-star Green Star rating and 5-star NABERS rating, so it was important that the interior of the suite match these standards.
The response to the completed project has been overwhelmingly positive. JQZ’s appreciation for the project’s quality, design, and execution was evident through their prompt securing of a tenant even before the project’s completion. This level of success is testament to the considered design planning and meticulous execution by Sheldon’s internal divisions.
Project: JQZ
Size: 1,155 sqm
Location: St Leonards, Australia
Design Studio: Sheldon
Photo Credit: Toby Peet and Somewhere Projects
Website: sheldon.com.au
