Blackwood Street Bunker // Shared Office Space in Melbourne by Clare Cousins Architects.

Clare Cousins Architects have re-designed this 1970’s office block in North Melbourne into their own workspace shared with a construction company. Interior fittings are picked out in black or white to distinguish among the diverse regions of the two occupants. The shared ‘Blackwood Street Bunker’ workplace retains the shell and reuses parts of the original fit-out, to create a non-corporate environment that evokes a sense of authenticity and capability.

The two businesses had previously shared a building and were keen to retain and enhance a sense of community. Unlike many shared studios which co-habit an entry and front-of-house amenities, this 440m2 floor-plan works in reverse. Separate entries and offices are divided up with colour-coordinated details, that lead through to a generous shared zone including kitchen, breakout-space and deck. “The deck is the heart of the shared concept with both offices and the kitchen/breakout space opening onto it through large banks of operable glazing. These shared facilities benefit both organisations professionally, socially, and spatially.” – Clare Cousins Architects.

White-painted walls mix with light plywood ceiling panels and joinery to boost the feel of the spaces. Resources, such as plywood is utilised for cabinets and walls that separate public and circulation areas from the workspaces, were specified in an untreated state to lower their cost and ecological impact. An injection of colour has been applied to the otherwise monochrome scheme by means of bright orange and blue painted stairwells that mark the entrances of the two firms – a clever way to make an otherwise sterile area become one of the most vibrant spaces.

See more projects by Clare Cousins Architects on Yellowtrace.

[Images courtesy of Clare Cousins Architects. Photography by Lisbeth Grosmann.]