As one of Australia’s leading construction, property and finance companies, ABN Group had a clear vision for their new flagship office and showroom. And in commissioning Woods Bagot to design their new headquarters, they welcomed the practice’s sophisticated yet inviting signature aesthetic to reflect their brand identity. The new interior design is refreshingly light and modern, with a wonderful palette of timber and tile complemented by expansive use of Fibonacci terrazzo.
As Woods Bagot Senior Associate Melanie Porrins explains, “It perfectly reflects ABN Group’s passion for building and commitment to quality, as well as the company’s sense of fun and strong desire to provide a warm and friendly experience for everyone. It’s a place where staff feel connected and comfortable and they’re proud to share this with their clients, who, in turn, feel inherently at home.”
Terrazzo edging to the reception countertop complements the highly textural material palette.
Porrins and the design team drew on historical themes of Australian homes and landscapes to create a collection of different spaces. The iconic Hills Hoist is represented by stylised hanging rods and curtains above social spaces, for example, while the classic verandah is the inspiration behind the first-level business lounge, with its meeting settings arranged along the facade line. A sunken lounge beneath the ground floor stair is a nod to Australian 1970s suburbia and a gum leaf motif on the carpets in meeting rooms combines with pops of muted green throughout to reference the surrounding gum trees.
Ambient lighting instils a sense of calm and the curved form of timber product display joinery, along with textured plaster wall details, emphasises the value ABN Group places on quality craftsmanship. Within this mix, Fibonacci’s Brackish terrazzo is a highlight. Its cream, sand and grey with flecks of rust patterning is striking and used to great effect as feature flooring, a reception desk counter and internal stair.
A sunken lounge area pays homage to Australian residential design of the 1970s.
“We loved the Brackish stone for its fresh yet warm tones,” says Porrins. “The general look of the interior is light and textured and Brackish is subtle enough to create a softer backdrop for all the timber finishes.” It functions as an eye-catching accent without overpowering the rest of the palette, while also being hard-wearing enough to withstand the busy showroom environment.
For Fibonacci founder Michael Karakolis, the outcome here is a strong vindication of his team’s design-focused and highly collaborative approach to supplying terrazzo. “Fibonacci products are one of the most unique hard-surface materials available to the market and we seek to elevate this uniqueness for designers and architects as well as their clients,” he says. “And when a client of ABN’s calibre chooses your product for their office, you know you’re doing something right.”
Presented by Fibonacci. You can view their full range of terrazzo at fibonacci.com.au
Source: Architecture - architectureau
