A company’s headquarters has the unique opportunity to become a visual representation of their brand. It can showcase a company’s dedication to technology, innovation or sustainability. Additionally, it can further a company’s commitment to its employees by creating a facility designed with them in mind.
EGO Pharmaceuticals is an Australian manufacturer and distributor of skincare products. Developed in the 1950s, the company has gained international recognition. For their Dandenong headquarters and manufacturing facility, the company commissioned Crosier Scott Architects for the design.
photograph © Hacer
The state-of-the-art facility boasts numerous ecological and technologically advanced amenities. A few of those sustainable attributes, the architects describe, “…include passive orientation, solar power, rainwater collection and reuse, high thermal mass material selection, extensive use of natural light, energy efficient electrical systems, waste-heat recovery systems, heat release vents, low VOC paints, recycled materials component and water sensitive urban design.”
photograph © Hacer
The three-story structure features an 80,000 square foot manufacturing facility and 9,000 square feet of office space. The monochromatic exterior design in its pure white form stands out in a dramatic fashion against the blue sky.
photograph © Hacer
The general contractors at Hacer Group explain, “The building incorporates a precast in-situ concrete structure with steel framed ‘top’ floor structure covered by a metal-faced insulated sandwich panel roof. The exterior walls are comprised of Alucobond cladding in combination with a glazed curtain wall.”
photograph © SBS Group
The Alucobond PLUS aluminum composite material in White 16 and Anodized Look was fabricated by A Class Cladding with facade design by SBS Group. The SBS team completed the project utilizing their “Smart Frame” lightweight technology, part of the company’s “BUILD SMARTER” approach. They describe, “Following several design meetings, the SBS estimating team created a pre-fabricated proposal for the external fin, stairwell and stepped façade elements as opposed to a traditional timber or structural steel alternative, making it easier for the architect to draw and specify the façade.”
photograph © Hacer
The interior of the facility features warm timber flooring and a spiraled Corian® staircase. The bright white form of the exterior flows into the interior to contrast the timber features throughout.
photograph © SBS Group
The original date of completion was 2017 yet the efficiency of the team involved allowed for the project to be completed six weeks ahead of schedule.
Photography courtesy of Hacer Group and SBS Group (see below image)
