The brief called for a series of interconnected offices and multifunctional rooms, to service the church staff and community. Importantly, it specifically required a space that would be easily adaptable and future-proof, for a growing congregation.
DKO engaged by the Melbourne Welsh Church to design an office space in the new commercial tower adjacent to their existing 1871 gothic revival church. The brief called for a series of interconnected offices and multifunctional rooms, to service the church staff and community. Importantly, it specifically required a space that would be easily adaptable and future-proof, for a growing congregation. DKO’a first design decision was to maximise views of their beloved gothic building, whose church architecture also directly contributed to the resolution of this workplace interior design. Light grey render on columns and walls reference the Church’s exterior, dark porcelain floor tiles echo the bluestone paving outside, and black metal detailing pay homage to the contemporary tower, in which the new office sits. Without a doubt however, the dominant material in this office fit-out, is the feature oak that extends from floor to ceiling, enveloping the user in a warm materiality that contrasts with the grey and black of the surrounding spaces. Frit detailing on glazing references the symbols of the church and provides additional privacy, without compromising the presence of natural light. A new connecting bridge that links the old and new adds drama, bringing the city into the office while offering a controlled exposure of the office, to the city beyond.
YEAR
2015
STATUS
Complete
CLIENT
Welsh Church
LOCATION
Melbourne, AUS
SCALE
700m2
DISCIPLINE
Commercial and Retail
EXPERTISE
Architecture
Interior Design
Photographer: Peter Bennetts
DKO is a multi-disciplinary, award-winning design practice centred on creating ingenious spaces that are driven by the needs of the user, site opportunities and the dynamic process of translating design intent into built outcomes. Founded in 2000 by Principal Koos de Keijzer, its operations have expanded from Melbourne to studios in Sydney, Perth, Auckland, Ho Chi Minh City, and Brisbane. DKO has remained committed to the same underlying principles since day one. Its multiple teams spread across the Asia-Pacific region are solidly united behind the same grounded and humble approach taken to each project, big or small.
Keeping minds open to any possibility, DKO always focuses on finding the best idea, regardless of where it came from. By encouraging the personal growth of each individual within the organisation, DKO plans to become a globally oriented entity, consistently forging ahead in both business and creative objectives. DKO embraces the role of architecture in shaping a more sustainable future. As a practice, it never loses sight of the most fundamental quality that connects all great design – people. Through human understanding and nurture, DKO seeks to continually maximise its potential and deliver architecture at its utmost excellence.