Circular by Design: Hassell Unveils Arup’s Regenerative Brisbane Workplace

International design firm Hassell, in partnership with global built environment consultancy Arup, has unveiled Arup’s new Brisbane office, a pioneering project that champions circular design.

Located across three levels in the recently refurbished 123 Albert Street building, the space is one of the few in the country pursuing the rigorous Living Building Challenge certification, a testament to its commitment to regenerative design and human wellbeing.

The project, the latest iteration of a decade-long Hassell – Arup workplace collaboration, leverages insights from Arup’s recent Hassell designed studios in Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Hassell’s design team, working alongside sustainable materials advisors Five Mile Radius and First Nations design consultants Blaklash, meticulously embedded a vision centred on regenerative design principles, aiming for spaces that are culturally resonant, elegantly adaptable and flexible, and enduringly meaningful.

“The overall experience is a curated journey, where refined aesthetics seamlessly blend with regenerative design principles, proving that elegance and sustainability can coexist harmoniously,” said Principal architect at Hassell, Scott Walker.

“It was essential that our workplace reflect our values, culture and connection to one another and to the environment,” added Eliza Howell, Principal and Queensland State Leader for Arup.

“Our new space celebrates regenerative design principles, enhances wellbeing and provides a vibrant setting for collaboration and community.”

Embracing circularity and sustainable sourcing

A core tenet of the Brisbane workplace’s development was a thorough material audit of both the new fit-out location and Arup’s existing space. This process quickly identified opportunities for creative reuse, leading to over 90 per cent of all building waste being diverted from landfill. More than 100 materials, ranging from metals and timbers to stones, were salvaged and repurposed. This approach marked a significant shift in material sourcing strategy, prioritising readily available and reusable elements over traditional ‘design first, source later’ methods.

Notably, the original stair mesh balustrade was innovatively wrapped around columns to support living, green displays. Leftover perforated metal from a closing Ripple Iron factory became distinctive café joinery and wall cladding.

Brisbane volcanic tuff, a local rock type sourced from site work excavations at Brisbane Airport, is incorporated, echoing the natural ruggedness of the nearby Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Even local Museum of Brisbane display boxes were transformed into custom furniture, demonstrating an exhaustive commitment to resourcefulness.

Designing with Country

The design deeply embeds local First Nations stories, reflecting a designing with Country approach developed in collaboration with Blaklash. A reflective metal ceiling mirrors light like a waterway, creating a symbolic link to the Brisbane River and the original creek that flowed next to the site.

At the building’s heart, a vaulted double-height arrival space showcases artwork by Waanyi and Kalkadoon artist and designer, Keisha Leon, deepening the connection to Yuggera and Turrbal Country. Approximately 1,900 plants actively restore the site’s ecological memory, reflecting the riparian systems erased by colonial development.

The project serves as a compelling example of how architectural innovation can meet urgent environmental imperatives, delivering a workplace that is not only highly functional but also inherently responsible.

ABOUT HASSELL 

Hassell is a leading international design practice with studios in Asia, Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Our purpose is to create a better future by designing the  world’s best places – places people love. We do this by combining strategic insight with  creative design to unlock the social, cultural and economic value of places. We collaborate with the best minds in research, industry and design worldwide and we’re committed to  making a positive impact on communities and our environment. 

Recent projects include Riverside Green in Brisbane, Park Avenue Central in Shanghai,  Central Green Forest Park in Beijing, HSBC in Hong Kong, Sixty Martin Place in Sydney,  First Light Pavilion at Jodrell Bank in the UK, Resilient South City in San Francisco, WA Museum Boola Bardip in Perth and the new Sydney Metro North West. 

Visit their website: hassellstudio.com

Follow them on socials: Instagram + LinkedIn

ABOUT ARUP 

Arup is a global built environment consultancy with advisory and technical expertise  across more than 150 disciplines. We create safe, resilient, and regenerative places,  bringing a Total Design approach to our work for our clients.

Photography credit: David Chatfield