Following on from last year’s library and administrative service building design, Western Sydney University (WSU) again called upon the services of Allen Jack + Cottier, this time for the fitout of the school’s Chancellery.

The new fitout achieves a balance between being a high-end space that reflects the Chancellery’s pivotal role within the university, and its growing presence in the international community, whilst providing accessibility in the form of a collaborative work environment.

THE BRIEF

The Chancellery occupies a floor in a new building with eastern, northern and western facades affording district views and access to natural light. It is a multi-use space that accommodates the executives and their staff, provides meeting and collaboration space, and creates a setting for the university’s collection of artworks and cultural artefacts.

The new design had to recognise the functional requirements of the workplace structure while providing an open and collaborative environment that was consistent with the WSU values, creating a space that is office, workspace, gallery and a meeting place for the international academic community.

THE DESIGN

The layout of the floor is divided into public and private zones based on the location of existing services, flow paths, control points and spatial requirements.

The public and private zones of the space are delineated by an undulating timber wall, clad in timber battens, running the length of the fitout, with the respective spaces defined by the use of different materials, lighting, colours and mood.

The public zones offer an open space which allows free access for staff, students and visitors to the reception, meeting rooms, gallery and bathrooms, with the area defined by dark metal batten ceilings, subtle lighting, graphic elements and refined joinery and materials.

The private workspace is designed to provide a collaborative and sustainable setting to the cellular work structure. The existing architecture generated the placement of offices and open workspace, ensuring all occupants have access to light and views. The use of large sliding doors and glazing promotes increased interaction between staff, while solid partitions created privacy to thoroughfares.

A highly-integrated, bespoke design solution was required to accommodate a low ceiling height of 2.4m as well as the need to retain existing services and infrastructure. Lighting, mechanical grilles and fire services were all custom designed to be installed in concealed positions within the batten ceiling.

The products and materials used reflect the University’s strict standards for sustainable design, with a heavy use of timber providing a warm, natural and earthy feel.

PRODUCTS

INTERNAL PARTITIONS
Optima, Revolution 97 mullion free partitions
Optima, Cavity sliding door systems
Optima, Microflush door system
All in powdercoat finish Interpon Powder Coatings Charcoal Pearl

TIMBER BATTEN WALL
Woodform Architectural, Concept Click timber batten, custom batten design, in Pacific Teak (Vitex), in natural oil finish

WALL CLADDING
HVG Facade Solutions, Trespa Meteon, Titanium Silver satin finish

METAL CEILINGS
Woodform Architectural, Concept Click aluminium batten system, powdercoat finish Interpon Astreroid Pearl Matt

GRID CEILINGS
Armstrong Ceiling Systems, Bluetongue modular with Ultima planks

CARPET FLOORING
Interface Aust, RMS 607 in Putty
Interface Aust, Online plank in custom colour

VINYL FLOORING
Tarkett Australia, IQ Optima, in Nature Beige Grey

TILES
Surface Gallery, Limewash porcelain tile, Pale Grey, matt finish
Surface Gallery, Pietra Grey marble biscuits, honed finish
Skheme, Technica Charcoal, textured finish
Surface Gallery, Carrara marble hexagonal mosaics, honed finish

JOINERY FINISHES
Briggs Veneers Pty Ltd, Vitex timber veneer, matt clear finish
CASF Australia, Dupont Corian in Glacier White and Deep Nocturne
Pietra Grey stone, honed finish
Carrara & Hickey Limestone Bianco stone, honed finish
Mirror polished stainless steel
Laminex, Laminate White and Battalion
Polyurethane in Dulux Whisper White, Sepal, Black

PAINT FINISHES
Dulux Whisper White, Unforgettable, Black Caviar

TEXTILES
Kvadrat Maharam, Lariat, Plot, Blitz, Hallingdale, Grid, Divina, Remix, Canvas, Sunviva

WINDOW COVERINGS
Turner Bros, roller blinds with Ecoview Plus in Slate and Pearl Linen, Matrix in Silver.

APPLIANCES
Miele Australia

TAPWARE/ SANITARY
Brodware Industries, City Que and City Stik tapware and accessories
Rogerseller, Catalano WC, Projection 75 basin

LIGHTING
JSB Lighting, Smart Lotis 115 in mounting box, black with gold reflector
iGuzzini, Blade System linear, downlight, wall washer and spotlight, custom adapted mounting installation
Eagle Lighting Australia, LED fittings