2014 National Association of Building Designers Awards

BEST NON-RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR DESIGN

Birkenstock Australia HQ Designer: Melbourne Design Studios Pty Ltd Phone: (03) 9077 2240 Web: www.melbournedesignstudios.com.au Builder: Emac Constructions Location: Clifton Hill, VIC Photographer: Peter Clarke and Marc Bernstein-Hussmann Traditional materials are put into new context with an element of surprise in the design for Birkenstock HQ. The shopfront with natural grass flooring, built-in planting as healthy office screen partitions, plywood forms wall surfaces and furniture, and a warm fireplace invites customers to relax at the tea bar within the shop. The light-filled open plan office encourages teamwork instead of hierarchical structures. Reconfigured aeroplane trolleys for personal filing allow staff to move around. A central island unit doubles as standing desk and invites teams to a discussion, or to a freshly made coffee at the Barista end of the unit.