PROJECT BRIEF
In today’s evolving professional landscape, there is growing recognition of the profound impact that well-designed spaces have on the health and psychology of the workforce. Research is fascinatingly demonstrating the direct correlation between the quality of the work environment and employee productivity outcomes.
The client, Pacific Catering Co Offices, recognized this shifting paradigm and entrusted Danika Rae Design with the task of creating an innovative workhub featuring offices, a brewery, active areas, and dynamic social spaces that foster interaction and connectivity. Their vision extended beyond their own business growth, aiming to create a central hub that would enrich the Sunshine Coast community as a whole, catering to its diverse demographic.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
The building character of Midlands is one that reflects the Sunshine Coast’s stunning natural landscape and rich cultural heritage. The team’s design strategy aimed to create a building that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding environment, creating a sense of place that users can connect with.
The design draws on the historical context of the region's rich agricultural history, using steel portal frame construction with high gabled roofs as a reminder of old farming sheds. Copper elements reflect Myrtle Creek Sandstone, timber cladding evokes memories of old coastal fishing shacks, and slate stone pays homage to Mt Coolum's volcanic rock. Inspiration from the natural landscape led to the design of organic shapes, curvy-linear forms, and raw material selections, allowing users to connect with the environment. These design elements contribute to the sense of place and add to the coastal feel and relaxed nature of Midlands.
DESIGN STRATEGY
The design team strived to honor our innate connection to nature, taking inspiration from the savanna to create an environment that enhances user wellbeing. Outdoor grassy patches, well-ventilated spaces, and access to nature encourages users to connect with the environment and enhances learning, focusing, socializing and collaboration.
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Ecological preservation was achieved through and revegetation of indigenous plant species such as Native Gardenia, Beach Bird's Eye, Birch Trees, Mt Beerwah Mallee Eucalyptus, Tuckeroo, and Lemon Scented Gum trees. Tufted Sedge-lined timber pathways reduce sedimentation and are reminiscent of old Maroochydore's fishing boardwalks.
MAIN OFFICES
Spanning 1,962m2, the precinct is set to deliver significant economic benefit through a hub that represents the Sunshine Coast’s core values of sustainability, healthy lifestyles, cultural diversity, and inclusivity by supporting local suppliers, creating jobs, and promoting community involvement.
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Strategically placed social zones encourage movement and exploration throughout the hub. An organic landscaped arena connects all buildings; adjacent to the yoga studio, magnesium pool, and café that operate the ground floor. This blend of social and active spaces enhances collaboration and offers multiple meeting and relaxation zones.
The main office is curvilinear in form; incorporating both linear elements of a portal frame and organically formed interiors. Three office levels are visible from the ground floor through an atrium center which creates diverse spatial volumes and encourages connectivity amongst workers. Curved access paths offer a seamless flow throughout the building and bring a sense of outdoors into the built environment. Timber floor to ceiling panels were deliberate choice to replicate trees and create the impression of working outdoors. These design elements improve the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the space, while also reducing stress and improving the wellbeing of employees.
Cohesion is maintained with colour palettes that are reflective of the native landscape; deep greys, sandy tones, varying browns, copper shades and of course greenery. A balanced blend between industrial and modern clean spaces is evident throughout all buildings with soft transition from the modern vernacular that becomes more industrial in the second office and even more so in the brewery.
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To the east of offices, with views of Maroochy River, Midlands Brewery is a raw material display of concrete, steel, copper, glass, and timber. Upon entry, visitors walk through the production process and are met with an exposed steel portal frame, creating a sense of industrial solidity, where function and form coexist.
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This microbrewery offers private dining, booth seating, bar tables, outdoor dining, a beer garden, mezzanine floor function space, retail wine store and a skating halfpipe, making it an adaptable and accommodating destination for all members of the community.
Incorporating various design features such as community gardens, walkways, landscaping, yoga rooms, end of use facilities, meditation spaces, and a magnesium pool, we address the communal need for physical and mental wellbeing, diversity, and inclusivity to support healthy lifestyles.
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Our hope is that Midlands will be a catalyst for positive change in the community, providing a space for individuals to come together, share their stories, and feel welcome and valued. We are beyond excited to be a part of the collective shift in prioritizing the user experience and look forward to seeing this vision come to life.
