Operating from two distinct locations had created significant barriers for mining equipment innovator CR Powered by Epiroc, resulting in disconnected teams and limited opportunities for collaborative innovation. The geographical separation not only affected operational efficiency but also weakened the cultural bonds that are essential to the company's Swedish identity and values.
The relocation to Cannon Hill in Brisbane presented a unique opportunity to address these challenges through thoughtful workplace design. By embracing Scandinavian principles—particularly the concept of Fika, where colleagues gather over coffee to strengthen relationships—the project aimed to create a space that would actively support both productivity and cultural connection.
Design Philosophy
The architectural solution centres on creating an interconnected environment that encourages natural movement and interaction. Rather than traditional compartmentalised offices, the design establishes flowing spaces where the boundaries between formal meetings and informal collaboration become deliberately blurred.
The heart of the workspace features a substantial boardroom that opens directly onto the central kitchen and social areas, creating a hub where structured business activities naturally extend into relationship-building moments. This arrangement reflects a deep understanding of how modern teams operate most effectively.
Flexibility underpins every design decision. Various meeting spaces—from private focus rooms accommodating one or two people to larger collaborative areas—ensure that different working styles and team requirements are properly supported. Dedicated phone booths provide acoustic privacy for confidential conversations whilst maintaining visual connectivity to the broader workspace.
Environmental Considerations
The open-plan layout maximises natural light penetration by minimising built elements along the building's perimeter. This approach creates bright, airy spaces with excellent views to the exterior, contributing to employee wellbeing and satisfaction.
Carefully positioned greenery and planters serve dual purposes: they provide gentle spatial definition between different functional zones whilst introducing biophilic elements that create a more natural, calming atmosphere throughout the workplace.
Operational Integration
The lower level accommodates CR's essential operational functions—goods receiving, light assembly work, and product testing—all seamlessly integrated to support workflow without disrupting the primary office environment above.
Specialised facilities including a dedicated 3D printing facility, robotics workspace, and professional media studio for marketing activities, demonstrating how the design accommodates technical innovation alongside traditional office functions.
Technology and Change Management
Seamlessly integrated video-conferencing systems throughout the space enable effective hybrid working, supporting collaboration between on-site teams and remote colleagues. The technology infrastructure was designed to be both robust and adaptable, anticipating future changes in working patterns.
Beyond the physical transformation, the project included dedicated change management support to help employees adapt to their new environment, ensuring both practical and cultural transitions were successfully managed.
Project Delivery
The comprehensive approach encompassed design development, construction management, technology integration, and organisational change support. From initial concept through to completion, the project team worked closely with CR's leadership to ensure every aspect of the new workplace aligned with the company's values and operational requirements.
Results
CR Powered by Epiroc now operates from a cohesive, energising workplace that authentically reflects their corporate culture whilst supporting daily innovation. The space functions as more than just an office—it serves as a platform for collaboration, designed with the flexibility to evolve alongside the business as it grows and develops.
The transformation has successfully reunited the workforce under one roof, creating an environment where Swedish heritage and contemporary business practices combine to drive sustained success.
