Newstead's Latest Commercial Offering: Rethinking the Traditional Work Space

Approved at the end of last month, 17 Byres Street, Newstead takes a refreshing design approach to the nature of work and the workplace.

Developed by Brisbane’s “Limitless” and designed by Cavill Architects in partnership with Hogg & Lamb, 17 Byres Street incorporates a series of versatile workplaces addressed by a four-storey atrium – a generous public entry designed to provide a rejuvenating experience of abundant landscape, natural light and views to the sky.

The development supplies 1500sq m of open-plan office space, large flexible floor plates and large column spans provide contiguous spaces to maximise interaction. Modern offices need to provide for connection, interaction and flexibility in the workplace; and the development at 17 Byres Street inherently understands this shift – creating a workplace that encourages interaction and promotes connection.

[Related reading: 7 Major Projects Add $12bn to Brisbane's Economy]

17 Byres Street specs:

- 1500sq m and three-storeys of office space

- Internal staircase and garden

- Rooftop terrace

- Maximising day-lighting to office zones

- Substantial landscaping, feature tree within the atrium

- The protection and retention of existing vegetation

- Direct access to Brisbane’s Riverwalk and bicycle paths

- Walking distance to Fortitude Valley and Bowen Hills train stations

- 1 km from Teneriffe ferry.

Byres Street Atrium

Suburb overview – Newstead, Brisbane

The Newstead precinct currently has approximately 9,000 staff working within it, and over 100,000 residents within a three-kilometre radius. Bounded on the east by the Bulimba reach of the river and on the west by Breakfast Creek road, 17 Byres Street is situated approximately 3.5 km north-east of Brisbane’s CBD. Traditionally the site of manufacturing businesses and industry, the resurgence of Newstead is a familiar story – now littered with new cafes, bars and restaurants – development in the area has been swift and indiscreet.

Design

17 Byres Street is a well-thought-out building where people and place have been considered at each point in its design. The atrium has been designed to allow staff and visitors to move freely through the building. The architect, Sandy Cavill says the idea was to “make a space that feels public”; and in an otherwise industrial area, the space will create a sense of community for visitors.

Cavill says the resolve was to distinguish the public and private nature evident in the two facades of the building, “The atrium frames the public aspect of the building, it is transparent, open – an interactive space that encourages a sense of community both [from] within the building and from the street.”

The skewed geometry allows for different configurations of the office space too, 17 Byres Street is a speculative development – to be leased. The simplicity of the plan supports a set of coherent urban design principles; the public space in the building is prioritised, creating a dynamic interactive environment that embraces the requirements of a flexible modern office.

According to the developer, “17 Byres St represents a unique opportunity for businesses to prosper from efficiency in modern workplace design and from the high level of building amenity provided. [The] building aspires to provide a workplace that fosters enthusiasm, a sanctuary for its occupants and a destination for its visitors."