Situated in Melbourne’s Tech Hub in Cremorne, SEEK’s new international headquarters sets the benchmark for commercial development; a mixed-use urban precinct that responds to its context, is environmentally sustainable, provides the latest in workplace design and offers amenity to the local community.

The ‘Contemporary Warehouse’ concept informed the design, driven by both SEEK’s desire to create an atypical office building and its urban context. Delivered through a collaborative process designed by Hassell in consultation with ARUP, SEEK was designed to achieve best practice in environmentally sustainable design.

The goal of the design was to provide a space with abundant fresh air, ample daylight, connection to the outside, and comfortable temperatures. Sustainability targets were chosen only where demonstrating real benefit and tangible confirmation of building performance.

The seven-storey building is set back from all boundaries to the west and south, providing improved public amenity to the community on the east via a wider footpath and to the north via a public pocket park. This park offers generous garden space, enjoyed equally by building occupants and local community. Referencing the rich, industrial heritage of local makers and manufacturers, the contemporary building sits comfortably within the existing urban and historical context. Twin gabled roof forms complement the nearby old school buildings with corium brick reflecting the local building’s colours and materials.

High quality End of Trip facilities and outdoor spaces coupled with functional, flexible floor plans affords an exceptional user experience, adding to the longevity of the design.

Photography by Peter Bennetts