All photography by Nicole England. REA Group has been shortlisted for the 2015 Interior Design Excellence Awards within the Workplace Over 1000sqm category.

futurespace is behind the revamped REA Group workplace, a project that offers world-class innovation, freeing staff from the constraints of legacy technology and workspaces.

The agile working environment is fast moving and flexible, combining the best of futurespace’s expertise with REA’s strong development philosophy to deliver an energising neighbourhood-based working environment that can be moulded to the needs of individuals and teams.

The workplace houses 558 employees and includes 20 meeting rooms, 12 quiet rooms, 30 informal connectivity zones and a large meeting and collaboration zone with stadium-style seating for group presentations. Employees can also access lockers, showers, and a sheltered bike storage space.

futurespace, in collaboration with Stephan Minnett, Gavin Harris, Joseph Daly, Griffen Lim and Erin Dore, has created a modern workplace that meets the needs of its employees. Where traditional workplaces focus on individual workers and deliver repetitious solutions to simple problems, futurespace’s vision is to create workplace environments that test and learn. The result is a purpose-built research and development workplace that enables REA Group to better anticipate, experiment and respond to industry disruption.

While the design concept is functional and practical, the interior design includes striking Zenith products that are visually appealing and create a bright, positive environment. Jewel-toned purple and blue colours pop against natural timber panelling, and attention-grabbing light pendants and floor lamps give warmth and personality. The exposed brick surfaces and plumbing details on the ceiling add further elements of visual interest. All materials are non-toxic, and the design promotes the use of natural daylight and has considered low-energy alternatives where possible.

The interior elements of colour and surfaces work in unison to create a workplace that not only encourages productivity, but also maintains workplace morale.

REA Group has been shortlisted for the 2015 Interior Design Excellence Awards within the Workplace Over 1000sqm category.

futurespace.com.au