Hayball Sydney Studio, Surry Hills

While architects frequently design new and innovative workspaces for their clients, the traditional design studio typology is rarely challenged or evaluated. Hayball’s Sydney Studio consciously explores how the physical environment can support and enhance the practice of design and staff empowerment. Located on the ground floor of a five-storey former shoe factory in the thriving design district of Surry Hills, the refurbished space is a prototype that supports a cultural shift to more collaborative ways of working while the diverse and agile settings have been created to enable analogue, digital and physical workplace activities that inspire ingenuity and innovation. 

"The familiarity of natural materials including timber makes people feel at home. Havwoods engineered boards immediately came to mind in the initial design stage due to the inviting residential feel they can achieve in a high traffic commercial environment." - HAYBALL ARCHITECTS

The building’s shell is comprised of exposed high ceilings and polished concrete floors complete with remnant dye stains hinting of the studio’s industrial past. The pared back shell is juxtaposed against the insertion of two striking plywood structures on opposing sides of the space. These designed volumes reflect the ethos in which the space was conceived - an intertwining of old and new and an enabler for cultural shifts within Hayball’s wider practice.

“Working with Havwoods was a seamless experience. Representatives guided us through different options and addressed our sustainability and budget concerns immediately. In collaboration with Havwoods our team was able to achieve the inviting environment we had envisaged and set out to create.” - Hayball Architects

It was important to Hayball Architects that their new Sydney studio utilised materiality to enhance the spatial design and portray their desire for a warm and inviting space via the use of a natural palette. Achieving this warmth has created a comfortable and engaging environment for staff, collaborators, clients and the wider community. The familiarity of natural materials including timber makes people feel at home. Havwoods engineered timber flooring immediately came to mind in the initial design stage due to the inviting residential feel they can achieve in a high traffic commercial environment. The impeccable quality of Europlank Villa Midi perfectly complemented the leather and plywood features also selected for the space.  

The result is a functional yet collaborative space that encourages and stimulates imagination, creativity and the intermingling of diverse ideas. It’s a warm and welcoming environment that, in turn, makes it an engaging and inviting area for collaborators, clients and the wider community.

Free samples are available for all of our products by clicking the ‘Get a Sample’ button next to the product. We also have timber flooring showrooms in Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle where you can visit us to view our extensive range in larger panels. To contact us, call 1300 428 966 or email info@havwoods.com.au.