Zero Gipps Office Building by SJB: A Sustainable and Innovative Workplace in Collingwood, Melbourne

A Unique Architectural Statement in Collingwood

The Zero Gipps Office Building, designed by SJB, stands as an architectural landmark in Collingwood, Melbourne. This innovative workplace redefines conventional office spaces by seamlessly integrating heritage elements with modern sustainability-focused design. Spanning 2,100 square meters, the six-story structure embodies a harmonious balance between industrial history and contemporary architectural excellence.

A Thoughtful Approach to Urban Design

Situated within a long and linear site, the design team took an unconventional approach by opening the building from the laneway rather than opting for a traditional street-facing entrance. This decision enhanced solar access, natural ventilation, and overall connectivity. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a communal garden courtyard and a small café, promoting interaction and relaxation within an urban setting. An outdoor staircase encourages active movement throughout the building, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on well-being.

Merging Heritage with Contemporary Aesthetics

The project retained the original early 20th-century warehouse facade, incorporating repurposed elements that celebrate its industrial past. The red brickwork of the former factory remains a defining feature, with steel hopper windows preserved on the ground floor. Additionally, certain boundary walls were reinstated in an elegant herringbone pattern, enhancing the building’s textural richness.

New construction elements complement these historical features through the use of locally sourced bricks, ensuring cohesion between past and present. The façade showcases a mix of flat stack bond bricks with subtle shadow gaps and staggered shiplap-style brickwork, resulting in a distinctive sawtooth pattern. These details pay homage to the area’s industrial character while adding a sculptural quality to the structure.

A Striking Contrast: Glass Meets Brick

To distinguish between the heritage warehouse and the new addition, a sculptural glass volume crowns the building. This elegant glass structure provides two additional floors of workspace, set back from the facade to accommodate landscaped terraces on the fourth floor. The transparent, fluid-like form of the upper levels acts as a recessive counterpoint to the robust masonry base, softening the building’s visual impact.

Enhancing Connectivity and Well-being

Circulation within Zero Gipps is designed to foster collaboration and engagement. Open-air stairways and linking bridges connect different levels, encouraging spontaneous interactions among occupants. The design prioritizes fresh air and natural light, offering spectacular views over Collingwood’s urban fabric.

Pioneering Sustainable Office Design

As its name suggests, Zero Gipps reflects ambitious sustainability goals, achieving zero operational emissions and eliminating gas dependency. The project has attained a 78% Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS) rating, thanks to its integration of active and passive sustainable strategies:

• Exposed concrete ceilings enhance thermal efficiency while reducing material use.
• A central courtyard and edible garden strengthen occupants’ connection to nature.
• A 100-panel solar array generates 35kW of renewable energy.
• Tilt-and-turn windows behind ceramic battens facilitate natural ventilation, setting it apart from standard mechanically ventilated office buildings.

Green Mobility and Car-Free Initiative

A thoughtfully designed Green Travel Plan underpins Zero Gipps’ commitment to sustainable commuting. The building boasts generous end-of-trip facilities, including:

• Luxury change rooms and showers
• Dryers and personal lockers
• Electric charging stations
• Bike parking for 56 bicycles (exceeding regulatory requirements)

These features contributed to a landmark approval by the Council: Zero Gipps was granted permission to operate without on-site car parking—a rare achievement for an office building of this scale. This decision highlights a progressive approach to reducing urban congestion and encouraging environmentally conscious commuting habits.

Redefining Workspaces for the Future

Through its innovative design, Zero Gipps Office Building by SJB represents a paradigm shift in office architecture. By prioritizing sustainability, heritage preservation, and user well-being, it offers a compelling model for future workplaces that harmonize with their historical and environmental context.