Designing Community at Waterman Merrifield

Waterman partnered with Concept to deliver a new co-working hub in Melbourne’s northern growth corridor. The brief was to create a space that aligned with Waterman’s brand while maximising efficiency, flow, and acoustic comfort. The result is a bespoke co-working environment designed to inspire independent thinkers, nurture collaboration, and support community growth.

The Challenge

The client’s vision was centred on three essentials:

• A feature metal mesh ceiling to anchor the breakout zone.
• Efficient suite planning to maximise capacity without compromising flow.
• Strong acoustic performance to protect focus areas and create definable membership zones.

The project also presented unique site challenges, including working with cathedral ceiling heights, navigating existing column placements, and resolving service delivery through large areas of half-height glazing.

The Solution

The design concept was inspired by wildflowers, symbolising the transient and free-spirited nature of co-working members. Drawing on the hues of native Australian blooms such as peach, rosette, tangerine, and plum, the palette strikes a balance between calm and energy.

Key features include:

• A striking round coffered ceiling in the front-of-house waiting area.
• Mirage acoustic panels by Autex in the boardroom.
• Suspended acoustic treatments across membership areas, including woodwool ceilings and grooved acoustic panels.
• A gradient carpet design in meeting rooms to define zones.
• A lively breakout kitchen with textural finishes and a brick-look tile splashback.

The construction team navigated ceiling heights and existing light fittings with precision, making on-site adjustments to achieve seamless integration.

The Result

The finished space reflects Waterman’s brand DNA while enhancing member experience through colour, comfort, and functionality. Acoustic performance supports productivity, while efficient layouts ensure maximum suite capacity without sacrificing flow or aesthetic quality.