National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) relocated its Brisbane head office to a new building with an existing fit-out. While functional, the space was a patchwork of, finishes, colours, and textures, resulting in a busy and disconnected environment.

For their relocation, NHVR sought to create a modern, cohesive workplace that reflected their brand identity and supported collaboration, connection and operational efficiency. 

The project involved consolidating operations across two floors while optimising and repurposing the existing fit-out to achieve sustainability and cost-efficiency. Our design team began by conducting a comprehensive lifecycle assessment and audit of the building’s mechanical systems, services, and finishes. This analysis identified reusable elements that aligned with NHVR’s sustainability and budget goals while ensuring these features would endure for the duration of the lease.

By prioritising what could be reused, we established a foundation that informed and
shaped the overall design of the space. Through innovative and cost-efficient design solutions, we achieved a seamless transformation that balanced aesthetics, functionality, and budget.

We maximised the use of available resources by repainting instead of replacing panels,
tiles, and ceilings and reconfiguring existing high-cost elements like operable walls. These
structures were carefully preserved and relocated, requiring meticulous collaboration
with the client, manufacturers, and engineers to ensure precision and compatibility throughout demolition and reconstruction.

Town hall-style spaces were introduced to increase employee collaboration and connection and also provide a multifunctional space for everything from company meetings
and events to casual team interactions.
Sit-stand workstations and ergonomic considerations enhanced employee comfort
and productivity.

Branding played a key role in creating a cohesive identity throughout the space. A
tyre tread motif was integrated as a nod to the vehicle industry alongside earthy tones,
biophilic features and organic forms, bringing unity to the design and reflecting the organisation’s core values.