ARCHITECTURE: INNOVATIVE INTEGRATION
boasts bluestone walls, old timber trusses, a 100-year old door and re-used timber flooring. Carabott’s use of polished concrete flooring on the lower-level of the building exudes an industrial-chic feel, while natural light and the incorporation of plants help to provide a refreshing, relaxing environment. The elimination of traditional offices permits the open interface of a studio environment that encourages open dialogue and interaction between employees and clients. However, perhaps the most appealing aspect of the property is the statement black and white feature wall situated on the top level of the building. As Carabott explains, it acts as a visual timeline of design and architectural influences – and it certainly seems that this wall reflects Carabott’s vision for the space, reiterating the importance of blending nostalgia with innovation. “The feature wall is very much a standout in the office, with the black-and-white colour scheme … from Gaudi, Art Nouveau and monumental classicism in 1900, to neo-expressionism and bureaucratic neointernational style in 1960, and now to CHT Architects, the history of architecture and design is acknowledged, reminding us of how it has been influenced over time and evolved into the firm it is today. The wall is really about the DNA of architecture.” While the workspace harnesses CHT Architects’ vision, Carabott explains that an environmentally conscious workplace is
equally as important as its fit-out. In order to keep with sustainable practices, the company has implemented some key green features into the design, while also recycling material from the original building of its old office. “CHT has installed 30 solar panels onto the roof of the Collingwood building. These panels will provide up to 10kilowatts per hour of power generation, which it is hoped, will fulfill 50 to 60 per cent of the practice’s power needs,” states Carabott. The office also includes “the incorporation of bike parking facilities in a bike container
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– and showers to facilitate this – which encourages employees to choose to cycle to work.” In addition to this, “with 140 indoor plants lining the office, employees can feel a connection to nature, which has been proven to increase workplace productivity.” A space bursting with imagination, CHT Architects’ has certainly made its own mark on the Collingwood site. Reflecting on their own needs as a practicing architectural firm, the team at CHT Architects has been able to apply their knowledge of the industry to their own dwelling – with astounding results.
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