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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. Located on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung land, Gray Puksand’s design incorporates elements co-developed with Traditional Owners in an effort to connect with Country.
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.
According to Duncan Harper, Medibank’s National Design and Construction Manager: “Our people wanted a workspace that supported health and connection, connects to local Aboriginal culture, is equitable and inclusive, and results in a destination that is functional, intuitive and seamless in its environment. It’s from here that we drew our inspiration to create a purposeful workspace.”
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.
The design incorporates biophilic elements and natural materials like PEFC-certified timber battens and FSC-certified wood. In addition, existing furniture from the previous fit-out has also repurposed extensively, thereby reducing the project’s overall 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.
Commenting on the ambitious nature of the project, noting that it challenges traditional notions of workplace design, Heidi Smith, Lead Partner (VIC) at Gray Puksand, said: “The new frontier in employee wellness is moving away from simply considering yoga and meditation rooms, for example, but to authentically embrace diversity and create a culturally safe place that caters to all working styles, genders, cultures, and faiths.”
This latest project represents the continuation of a longstanding collaboration between Medibank and Gray Puksand, one that has spanned two decades and included various office and retail projects across Australia. The new Melbourne Hub stands as a testament to the evolving standards of workplace design, prioritizing inclusivity, cultural respect and employee wellbeing.
