Salta Properties has enhanced its head office with a modern and human‑centred fit‑out that serves as an industry benchmark for workplace design, with the intricate level of detail a test case for the exceptional quality standards Salta applies across its $3.5‑billion property portfolio.
The recently completed office demonstrates an admiration for craftsmanship and a sense of locality, while supporting new ways of working that enrich the lives of staff and visitors.
With its existing lease coming to an end and a significant evolution of the company over the past decade, Salta seized the opportunity to invest further in its people and culture to create a transformative workplace that fully reflected its values and progressive mindset.
The vision for the project comprised a cohesive and connected environment that creates a home away from home, enhances collaboration within and between teams, and reflects Salta’s professional yet relaxed family-like culture.
Almost two years of planning went into creating a new style of workplace that achieved this vision, utilising an open-plan layout, best practice ergonomics, and advanced technology to create a uniquely connected workplace with an impressive lounge experience and collaboration zones.
Salta’s internal project management team led a multi-disciplinary team of design and service consultants, with frequent communication and a considered approach to change management key to its success.
This included the leadership team advocating for changes and appointing change leaders across the business to make key decisions on the way they would work in the new office, as well as providing training and support to their teams.
Emma Woodhouse, Chief Operating Officer at Salta, explained that the process of designing the new workspace had been a transformative experience for the company.
She said: “Our vision for a premium workspace that seamlessly blends aesthetics with functionality has been brought to life.
“The result is a dynamic environment that has become a catalyst for a thriving culture that fosters team engagement, productivity, and a sense of value and belonging among our employees.”
Every design decision for the 1,600-square-metre site acknowledged the necessity for versatile spaces, consistent technology, and sustainable practices to be embodied within the physical space and support new ways of working.
The office provides Salta’s team and guests with an enhanced working environment with improved collaboration through a greater diversity of work areas and more agile, equitable workstations that all have access to natural light and breathtaking views.
A key aspect was a departure from the fixed-desk environment to a more functional and open workplace, offering the same space but with significantly increased collaboration zones that add a variety of work, meeting, and social locations.
Quiet zones were also provided along with focused and standard desks, phone booths for calls, and informal break-out areas.
Sustainable and biophilic design principles and best practice indoor environmental quality measures were incorporated throughout the fit-out, including an abundance of greening and a green wall.
Improved social engagement is another feature of the office, enabled with a 50 per cent larger social hub known as “The Lounge”, which has a direct connection to the front-of-house welcome area and reception.
Achieving 5 Star Green Star Interiors v1.3 certification, the design also integrates smart building technology that is functional and easy to use.
A strong consideration for details, junctions, and scale highlights the craftsmanship inherent in Salta, with materials deliberately selected that patina and age well over time.
The choice of natural materials in warm timber tones and travertine stone embodies a sense of familiarity, while the furniture items were selected for longevity and timeless appeal, encouraging a variety of spaces and areas to connect and socialise.
Designed by architecture and interior design studio Carr, which had designed Salta’s previous workplace three floors below, the new head office demonstrates a “powerful interplay between a strategic briefing process and a robust design narrative” that gives weight to opposite ends of the spectrum of functionality and conviviality.
Carr explained that a layered workplace was key to achieving authentic aspirations for the company, team, and community, and started with asking the right questions.
Understanding the traditional workplace model was no longer fit for purpose for the contemporary employee, Salta engaged Carr to reflect and support its growth in a new “future office”.
A series of engagement tools and workshops to uncover key business ethics was undertaken, and through conversations across the Salta team, a commentary for a warm, humanistic environment emerged.
Research has illustrated how diverse, people-centred spaces boost productivity, increase employee retention, overall wellbeing, and foster a happier workplace.
One of the conceptual narratives behind the curated views and material selection commemorates Salta’s history and its relationship with Melbourne.
Melbourne is in the company’s blood, and to honour this, Carr engaged local makers and materials to establish a sense of home that is comfortable and where staff feel part of the family.
Another interesting concept utilised is the idea of ‘food is glue’ and bringing people together, with staff lockers and the kitchen located nearby, so people start and end the day in the same location while being acknowledged by the reception.
A resounding success among both internal and external stakeholders, the new head office has elicited overwhelmingly positive employee surveys and anecdotal feedback, and critically, has resulted in an all-time high employee engagement.
