Energetic and vibrant space at CIP in Melbourne

11 March 2019 - 2 min read

Discover how the offices of Commercial and Industrial Property (CIP) have been turned into a space reflecting the company’s vibrant culture and industrial development heritage.

Where: Melbourne, AU
Architect: Karen Choi, EMKC
Photographer: Peter Clarke

Australian property developer, Commercial and Industrial Property (CIP) transformed a 550 sqm office into an energetic and vibrant activity-based working (ABW) space for its staff and a showroom for its clients. The challenge of the design was to provide flexible and diverse spaces for various activities without compromising the heritage of the industrial space. The essence of ABW is to focus on the activities undertaken by the various employees and to provide them with spaces that assist them to be productive.

Karen Choi, the designer of the project, chose several of the BuzziSpace solutions for their strong acoustic properties and funky, unique look.

She says, "They play an important role in the design and influence the mood and spirit of the space—designed to improve teamwork and breakdown boundaries between staff within the company. The goal was to minimize perceived hierarchy with more open, collaborative spaces.

Karen is a big fan of BuzziSpace and used BuzziTiles extensively in the design. She says, "Traditionally, creating an acoustically balanced workplace involves covering the floor and ceiling in sound-absorbing materials, e.g. carpet and ceiling applications. BuzziTiles break this tradition allowing the walls to act in this fashion. They dramatically reduce the reverberation of sound and complement the use of double glazed partitions for all meeting rooms."

Traditionally, creating an acoustically balanced workplace involves covering the floor and ceiling in sound-absorbing materials, e.g. carpet and ceiling applications. BuzziTiles challenge this tradition.
— Karen Choi, Architect

She continues, "BuzziTiles are the most versatile products in the market, they can be installed on any surface and by anyone. The combination of 3D patterns, varying fabrics, and color work magic to any space and add another dimension to the design. BuzziTiles improve acoustic quality while providing visual impact and the sensation of unique textures."

In the open plan office area, consisting of collaboration spaces and workstations, BuzziBlinds have been used to define different zones and reduce sound transfers in the open space. Thanks to the moveable fins of the BuzziBlinds, employees can easily create their desired level of privacy in an instant.

Above the presentation area, three BuzziShade Pendants provide a tasteful contrast to the vibrant colors of the furniture and dark timber.