Transgrid Headquarters / Bates Smart

Transgrid Headquarters  / Bates Smart - Table, ChairTransgrid Headquarters  / Bates Smart - Image 3 of 18Transgrid Headquarters  / Bates Smart - Cityscape, WindowsTransgrid Headquarters  / Bates Smart - FacadeTransgrid Headquarters  / Bates Smart - More Images+ 13

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Transgrid Headquarters  / Bates Smart - Facade
© Brett Boardman

Text description provided by the architects. After many years and numerous attempts by other architects Bates Smart’s innovative design unlocked the potential to build over an existing structure. The central lift core was relocated to the perimeter of the building creating an open flexible floorplate. A series of steel trusses allow the building to cantilever over the existing structure and transfer loads.

Transgrid Headquarters  / Bates Smart - Beam
© Brett Boardman

Expressed as a set of random stacked boxes with contrasting shading strategies this building boldly interprets its diverse context and has created a unique environmental aesthetic.

Transgrid Headquarters  / Bates Smart - Image 3 of 18
© Brett Boardman

The original sub-structure included a structural grid and lift core to allow for the future construction of a commercial office building above. No internal modifications could be made. This had several unfortunate consequences. The centrally located lift shaft bisected the floor; and the floor area and structural grid were small by current workplace standards.

Transgrid Headquarters  / Bates Smart - Chair, Stairs, Handrail
© Brett Boardman

Bates Smart’s City of Sydney competition winning design is based on three key innovations to resolve these issues: 

1- Relocating the lifts to the exterior of the building opened up the floor plate to create an open, flexible and connected workplace.  The new glazed exterior lifts created a spectacular experience when entering the building.

2- Locating steel trusses on the roof of the sub-structure allowed the office structure above to have longer spans.  Further it created the opportunity for the building to cantilever beyond the original sub-structure, effectively increasing the floor area.

3- Using lightweight steel frame construction reduced the floor to floor height by incorporating the chilled beam ducts within the structural depth and created the opportunity to accommodate the load of an additional floor.

Transgrid Headquarters  / Bates Smart - Cityscape, Windows
© Brett Boardman

These design innovations are clearly expressed in the building. The buildings orientation meant horizontal or vertical shading had equal effectiveness.  Playfully the building alternates these shading strategies creating the impression of a series of stacked boxes to reduce its scale in the context. The sub-structure was re-clad in precast panels to give it a solid appearance to visually support the new structure over.

Transgrid Headquarters  / Bates Smart - Table, Chair
© Brett Boardman

The lobby is a glazed box beneath the cantilevered portico. It contains a stunning interpretive artwork by Lucas Grogan consisting of 140,000 glass beads hung in layers.

Transgrid Headquarters  / Bates Smart - Facade, Glass
© Brett Boardman

The base building has achieved Australian Green Building Council accreditations: 5 Star Green Stars for the architecture and the fitout achieved an ‘as built’ 6 Star Green Star Rating. 

Transgrid Headquarters  / Bates Smart - Glass, Facade, Chair
© Brett Boardman

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Project location

Address:180 Thomas Street, Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Transgrid Headquarters / Bates Smart" 17 Jul 2015. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/770092/transgrid-headquarters-bates-smart> ISSN 0719-8884

© Brett Boardman

Transgrid总部 / Bates Smart

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