Working in conjunction with Cube Architects, St Ferrer Building Contractors has taken the heritage structure and transformed it into a thoroughly modern office space for EPA Victoria.
With the fitout comprising more than 70 open-plan workspaces, numerous meeting and conferencing rooms, male and female toilets, showering and change facilities, a kitchen and meals area, along with specialised secure storage rooms, a unique approach was needed to preserve the grandeur of the building while still delivering intimacy and connectedness.
St Ferrer Director Chris Bertacco says, owing to the nature of the work EPA Victoria undertakes, quality has been a key consideration in the build.
“Quality in regard to both finishes and construction was important from the outset. With legally-sensitive investigations taking place on the premises, the fit-out needed to provide both privacy and security,” he says.
“To provide the requisite level of privacy, the internal pods are built with steel framing and Soundcheck plasterboard walls and ceilings with 25kg/m3 sound-proofing insulation. Internal glass partitions are also double glazed to offer increased sound proofing.
“Throughout, the finishes are akin to those of an architectural home build; all contribute to a comfortable yet sophisticated ambience, designed to improve employee well-being and help EPA Geelong gain and retain the best employees,” he adds.
