Banco Chambers’ new Sydney office is highly details focused—a spatial manifestation of the barrister profession that counterpoints shared spaces with private chambers. Bookcases double as walls, elegant joinery and a central stair create a sequence of arrival spaces, and a timeless Sydney autumnal palette reflects Banco’s character. Banco Chambers’ new Sydney office unites two previous Banco Chambers offices in one premise via a design that is highly detailed and focused—a respectful spatial manifestation of the barrister profession.
In an era when open plan and hybrid office workspaces are dominant, designing a workplace like Banco Chambers that prioritises highly private offices is somewhat unusual. The space focuses on procession and order, which is achieved by creating a sequence of arrival spaces throughout the workplace. Bespoke bookcases and joinery act as walls to demarcate each different space; they also double as showcase spaces for Banco’s extensive library. At the centre of the fitout is a curved feature staircase that vertically connects Banco’s two levels. Its elegant design draws people to the heart of the workplace and anchors the different shared services, including the breakouts, the library and event space.
The materials palette draws on rich autumnal tones and Sydney’s natural landscape. Burgundy, olive greens, leather and stone create texture and depth without seeming overt. The palette also ties nicely to the colours of the many volumes that make up Banco’s library. Both references help create a timeless feeling that further carries Banco’s character throughout the workplace.
The design is truly in the details at Banco Chambers. The company’s barristers are inherently detail driven people, and they wanted that rigour and attention carried through their new workplace design. Bates Smart interpreted this desire by meticulously crafting all scales of the space, from the plan down to the stair bannister, which is wrapped in leather and cross stitched on the underside, much like the steering wheel of a luxury car. Other inspiration was drawn from details in some of Europe’s greatest cities. London terrace streetscapes inspired the repetition of the plan and tailoring of the details for each chamber, while Milan’s grand reveals and porticoes were reinterpreted as the office’s doorways and portals to create a formal sense of arrival throughout both levels.
Bates Smart crafted the Banco palette after taking an autumn walk in Sydney’s Hyde Park. The office is an integrated fitout at 60 Martin Place, located across from Hyde Park and The Domain. The area’s stone, greenery and beautiful textures felt right for Banco, as did the autumnal tones. The palette is serious without being overt, and it is detailed to the level of the direct surrounding context, carrying through the base building architecture and reflecting Banco’s culture. The palette also helped to celebrate and complement the leather and colours of Banco’s library, tying design to the organisation’s barrister history.
