Medibank

Medibank is a company that is not afraid to innovate. Having already successfully been operating in an agile workstyle for many years, the pandemic and the working from home experience has brought further innovative thinking to the way Medibank considers their workspace.

The brief called for a destination workplace that attracts and engages their teams while encouraging collaboration, creativity, and exploration. This fit-out is designed to be a dynamic environment where employees can share ideas, connect meaningfully, and focus deeply on their work. The objective is to align the workspace with the client’s mission of enhancing health and improving lives for their customers and communities.

Inspired by the powerful relationship between nature and human connection in promoting well-being, the design embodies the surrounding environment’s essence. The city location and its landmarks provide a compass for the design, which is woven with the theme of “life force.” this concept draws on the natural journey from the Yarra ranges to the Yarra Falls and through to Port Phillip Bay, imbuing each area with a unique energy level tailored to its purpose. This approach shapes a workspace that resonates with the environment, supporting productivity and a nurturing atmosphere.

The project celebrates indigenous involvement, informed by visits to the Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve and guided by Uncle David, a Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung elder. Proposed artwork by aboriginal artists, custom vinyl flooring in breakout areas from dreamtime flooring—Australia’s only 100% indigenous-owned flooring wholesaler—and communal tables by Manapan, an aboriginal-owned enterprise, infuse the space with cultural depth and respect. Incorporating biophilic elements and natural materials like PEFC-certified timber battens and FSC-certified wood and existing furniture from the previous fit-out has also repurposed extensively, reducing environmental impact.

The design process was marked by its complexity and high level of detail. Every unique feature within the fit-out was thoughtfully crafted, ensuring that the precision of execution matched the intricacy of the vision. This meticulous approach was essential to create a cohesive and impactful workspace, fulfilling the original design concept and creating an inspiring, functional environment.