The brief was a new, purpose-designed head office to accommodate 30 staff plus an administration team. The existing site housed a non-conforming industrial warehouse, located on the Hoddle St arterial in an unexpected General Residential zone. Our solution is a utilitarian structure that references the modular shed, yet is functionally tailored to meet the organisation’s needs over three levels. We retained the masonry perimeter, and inserted the new steel structure offset from side boundaries to maximise natural lighting. The design achieves a remarkably pure diagram, with 3m modules of function interspersed with single modules of light filled polycarbonate circulation zones. Collaborative testing and design was crucial to a successful outcome. We engaged Finding Infinity to model design iterations for thermal performance and day-lighting. And we worked closely with McCorkell’s own technical fabrication experts to develop the west-facing shading device — a triumph of engineering and industrial design. Openable windows and ceiling fans bring fresh air to every desk, while the two demarcated vertical circulation zones facilitate incidental communication between staff. The solar array supplies all electricity — and a sensor drives the operation of mobile external louvres that provide both natural light and appropriate shade throughout the day.

Within, McCorkell staff benefit from a spacious, light-filled layout with large communal areas (indoor and outdoor). The kitchen and staff breakout area enjoys city views over East Melbourne — a literal example of the elevated staff experience that underpins the entire 121 Hoddle project. The elongated shed’s sculpted form optimises these key external views to the east and west. The southern chamfer complies with Rescode, ensuring solar access to the neighbours’ fruit and vegetable garden; the northern chamfer optimises the output of a 36kW solar array. Of course, McCorkell certainly demonstrated their professional instincts when helping us distill our design down to its earnest essence.The relationship between architect and builder is never simple — especially when the client is the builder. But far from pejorative clichés, 121 Hoddle exemplifies what can be achieved through dialogue and collaboration (and no little skill). A building that is not only beautiful, functional, sustainable and economical — but one that means something: to its company, its people and its place.