Hassell’s Melbourne studio takes on the Living Building Challenge

Our new Melbourne studio serves as a living laboratory for regenerative design.

As part of our journey toward Living Building Challenge (LBC) certification – the world’s most rigorous sustainability standard set by the International Living Future Institute – our Melbourne studio is a live demonstration of how workplace design can push past net-zero. While achieving net-zero aims to do ​‘no harm,’ we’re aiming to do ​‘more good’ by creating a space that gives back more than it takes from the environment. 

Located on Wurundjeri Country within the landmark 55 Collins Street building designed by I. M. Pei, the studio is conceived as a ​‘worklab’ – a place to test, experiment, and share the evolution of our design ethos. 

Created as a single open space, it welcomes clients, collaborators, and friends into the heart of our practice. By keeping the perimeter completely open, the design maximises natural light, tracks the changing seasons, and guarantees everyone access to the views. 

THE POWER OF DESIGN WITH LESS

In collaboration with Arup and MPA Construction Group, our studio design showcases true regenerative practice, aiming to achieve maximum impact with minimal new material. Intentionally raw yet rigorously planned, it challenges traditional workplace conventions through a ​‘design with less’ philosophy that is unexpected, distinctive, and environmentally responsible.

Every element of the build was governed by radical transparency. We documented ingredient lists, emissions testing, and chains of custody (a rigorous paper trail that tracks a material from its origin, like a forest, to the final building site, ensuring it meets strict environmental and ethical standards) for every material used. 

To ensure full alignment with these ambitious goals, all subcontractors completed dedicated LBC training modules, and construction costs were reviewed specifically to assess the regenerative impact of each component.

STRATEGIC INTERVENTIONS: THE PRECISION BEHIND THE PRACTICE

Our commitment to regenerative design at 55 Collins is driven by precise, strategic interventions that prioritise human health, circularity and carbon reduction:

• Carbon conscious: Through meticulous material selection and a ​‘design with less’ approach, we’ve reduced the studio’s embodied carbon by 41% compared to a conventional workplace interior.
• Waste revolution: Ninety-eight per cent of all construction and fit-out waste was recycled and diverted from landfill.
• A healthy workplace: Beyond environmental impact, the LBC framework ensures a non-toxic environment. We minimised toxic ​‘Red List’ chemicals and materials to protect environmental and human health throughout material manufacture, use and disposal.
• Circular continuity: Joinery, workstations, furniture, and lighting were salvaged from our former Little Collins Street studio and seamlessly repurposed, extending the life cycle of existing assets.
• The longevity of design: Seamless reuse relies on a philosophy of investing in high-quality design. Premium pieces specified over 20 years ago from manufacturers like Unifor, Vitra, and Herman Miller have proven their lifespan, requiring only minor refurbishment.
• Real-time accountability: We continuously monitor our operational energy, water, and waste to ensure the studio meets its performance targets. Sharing these monthly insights internally builds a strong culture of accountability, helping our team understand performance in real time while uncovering practical ways to reduce our overall collective impact.
• Raw honesty: Existing concrete floors, ceilings, and services were left in their original state, significantly reducing the need for new finishes and the associated carbon footprint.
• Radical materiality: New walls and ceilings are crafted from saveBOARD (recycled cartons, cups and soft plastics) and acoustic insulation is made from Autex (recycled PET).
• Bespoke and local: Over 90 custom light fittings were created with local designer Edward Linacre, featuring hand-blown glass and recycled aluminium.
• Rigorous procurement: Cabling is PVC-free. Where new joinery was essential, only FSC-certified MDF products were specified.
• Modular and future-proof: All storage and shelving consists of standardised metal components or repurposed elements, allowing for easy disassembly and reuse in the future.