Simplot Head Office, Chifley Business Park, Melbourne, Australia

Simplot ranks amongst Australia’s top-ten distributors of frozen and canned foods. The company’s new head office and research and development facility, located in Melbourne’s Chifley Business Park, exudes a high level of amenity and presence.

Its façade is understated yet compelling, with a sequence of visual breaks in elevation that intrigues and tantalises as to what lies beyond. The 6,000 m2 office building and 750 m2 R&D facility prove that architecture can become its own living, breathing brand by virtue of intrinsic qualities.

There is also an absolute minimum number of solid walls, reflecting an increasing interest by businesses to achieve an open working environment to stimulate improved employee communication. The use of glazing, in preference to solid walls, dramatically contributes to a connectedness that is positive for morale.

Pilkington Eclipse Advantage™ Arctic Blue, solar control with low E glass was selected for the project. Pilkington Solar-E™ laminated glass was also used for most of the exterior. It was economical and offered excellent performance characteristics. A mesh screen and louvers on the north and west elevations are used to reduce heat from the direct north-west sun without compromising views.

The building is four-star energy rated. This is a good example of how a building can be aesthetically pleasing whilst also contributing to energy efficiency by using natural daylight.