"The design response draws on the animated urban context of Martin Place and the new metro below to embody a dynamic new workspace inspired by travel and infused with hospitality."
Located at 39 Martin Place, our newest workspace sets a new standard of sophistication in Sydney’s financial district. Designed by the acclaimed team at DesignOffice, the space balances sophistication and warmth, using tactile materials, vibrant accents, and calming elements to create a workspace that supports members throughout their day. We spoke with architects Mark Simpson and Damien Mulvihill to explore the inspiration behind this innovative landmark space.
Tell us about the vision for The Commons Martin Place?
The Commons Martin Place will provide a new level of amenity in Sydney for its community of members. The workspace and connected hospitality offering is arranged across 2 levels connected to the main building lobby and transport hub below. Elevated above the streetscape, The Commons Martin Place is nestled in the tree canopy of Castlereagh Street and has an aspect of some of Sydney’s most iconic buildings.
The mezzanine level entry flows directly into a cafe, lounge and bar creating a convivial hub for members and guests with food and drink at its heart. The design response draws on the animated urban context of Martin Place and the new metro below to embody a dynamic new workspace inspired by travel and infused with hospitality.
How did the surrounding area and its reputation influence the design? How do the interiors reflect the character and history of Martin Place?
Martin Place is one of the busiest areas in Sydney CBD, connecting with key transport hubs, Hyde Park and George Street. In response to this urban dynamism and sense of constant movement, we wanted to create a calm, sophisticated and nurturing respite in the heart of the city - from the morning through to the evening. Connected, contemporary and convivial.
Can you tell us about the colour palette and textures chosen?
The buildings along Martin Place provide a rich architectural context for this new landmark by Tzannes, which references its surroundings through proportion, detail, and a material palette of subtle pink hues and Balmoral Red stone. This strong base palette guided the colour and material choices, infusing the stone with deeper, more saturated tones. Smoked oak, maple, tan leather, and zinc add tactile depth, complementing the stone and aging gracefully. Carpets and upholstery in mustard, russet, olive, modernist green, and dirty pink add a playful layer to the design.
What about the furniture selection? How does it complement the overall design?
As with all of the spaces we design for The Commons, the furniture selection mixes modern icons and reimagined classics with contemporary and local heros; curating a layered, convivial and inviting suite that work together to support the needs of each space. The selections in the lounge area in particular required careful selection in order to provide settings which work from day to night; both supporting different work styles and fostering a more relaxed style of social engagement.
What are some of the key features of the space?
The main arrival lounge will feature diverse settings under a vaulted metallic ceiling, defining the heart of The Commons Martin Place. On one side, the smoked oak cafe pavilion serves coffee, while the 7m zinc-wrapped bar mixes cocktails overlooking Martin Place. Adjacent to this, curved glass meeting rooms and a timber-lined staircase create a separate work lounge. Drawing inspiration from airline lounges, this area offers a calming environment supporting both work and play.
How does The Commons Martin Place differ from our other Sydney CBD locations in terms of design and functionality?
Martin Place will be a special location in Sydney for The Commons community. It has a greater emphasis on food and drink, working more like a serviced airline lounge than a workspace. The spatial arrangement is such that it will have a more dynamic connection to the streetscape and wider building community than the other CBD locations. This will gives the spaces a duality of context - having their own identity and sense of place, but continually connected to Sydney life.
How do you want people to feel when they’re in the space?
Creating emotional comfort and a sense of place is our key aim in designing for The Commons. We want members to feel inspired and supported. The Martin Place location is confidently urban in its context and we want to infuse that dynamism with calmness, wonder and a little bit of glamour!
What about this project are you most excited about?
The most exciting parts of the brief for The Commons Martin Place related to the connection to the urban context and the need for the spaces to evolve from day to night. We really enjoyed the challenge of unlocking the floor plan to create the zones and forge spatial connections which foster these needs intuitively. We’re excited about seeing this become a reality and watching the spaces endure and contribute to the fabric of the city.
The Commons Martin Place is set to open in March 2024. Find more information here.