Six Degrees provides the Swisse Vitamins Melbourne HQ with a design supplement that ushers in a positive environment for staff and visitors.
This project involved the re-design of Swisse Vitamins’ Melbourne headquarters to improve the environment quality and work setting for staff and visitors. Office spaces are where productivity is meant to prosper. A well-designed office space enables employees to stay motivated and focused. Furthermore, an office is often the first point of contact for a prospective client with an organization—so it pays to have a space that engages them in a positive way.
Swisse is Australia’s leading multivitamin brand. The company is committed to world-class pharmaceutical manufacturing standards, scientifically supported research, and development in nutraceuticals and complementary medicine. After all, a company that promotes good health needed to ensure that its office space exudes a similar aura. Six Degrees, one of Australia’s leading architectural practices, was brought on board to execute this vision.
Unlike its previous layout, which was devoid of light and offered limited flexibility in spatial use, the new design concept proposed cutting out the core of the building to create an internal garden oasis. Inspired by ancient Roman and Islamic models, this approach allowed for increased movement, light, and natural ventilation while offering a tranquil, leafy outlook. Mark Healy, Design Architect at Six Degrees, notes that this central void became the heart of the space, connecting both levels visually and spatially.
To achieve the desired level of flexibility, the design team incorporated a blend of open-plan and traditional office spaces. These wrap around the internal void, which spans both floors. The design also includes a breakout space and an open deck behind the building’s front façade. To enhance the play of light, the designers installed a horizontal strip of bronze mirror on the interior face of the void. This not only reflects light but also subtly masks the floor plate behind while maintaining the double-height glazing.
The 925 sq. mt. office space also includes a warehouse. A glazed boundary separates the rear warehouse from the office area, maintaining a visual and cultural connection between the two zones.
The office interior features a carefully curated palette of materials, reinforcing the company’s health-focused philosophy. Natural tones of grey, black, and timber complement the garden setting and create a calm, natural atmosphere. The presence of timber slats on the ceiling and the transparent glass façade at the entrance lend the space a warm, welcoming quality. This blend of old-world charm with contemporary aesthetics also serves as a quiet homage to the evolution of design over the 50 years since Swisse was founded.
Photo Credits: Greg Elms
Connect Online: www.sixdegrees.com.au
