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Work Space

The Best Designed Co-Working Spaces In Australia

Writers such as Gaston Bachelard and Alain de Botton have long argued that the architecture and spatial design of places we inhabit shapes our lived experiences. Less has been written about the aesthetics and quality of our work places, where many of us spend more time that in our homes!

As co-working spaces are on the rise in Australia (no longer the exclusive terrain of tech-start up companies!), we have collated a list of the best desks for hire. These are the kind of spaces that will make you excited to jump out of bed and head into the ‘office!’ Not a chipped mug or ugly computer chair in sight.

Written

Miriam McGarry

The Commons co-working space. Photo – Cheyne Toomey.

The Commons – Melbourne

The Commons co-working spaces are located in both South Melbourne and Collingwood, and describe themselves as an ‘an eco-system of entrepreneurs, businesses & curious minds – working, connecting and growing under a common roof.’

Designed by Siren, the spaces are blooming with lush green plants, and this ‘green’ vibe extends to the environmental credentials of the workspaces, which won gold in the 2017 Melbourne Design Awards. This space caters for all needs – quiet spaces, communal workspaces, and both beer AND cider on tap. All bases covered.

Muse co-working and event space. Photo – courtesy of Muse co-working.

Muse – Sydney

Muse co-working and event space opened in 2017, in a high-storey heritage listed building in Sydney’s Surry Hills designed by Acme and Toast Creative. The collective workspace caters to the creative sector, as the renovated historic space plays host to entrepreneurs in design, film, art, journalism, copywriting and architecture. Muse also offers a rooftop terrace, atmospheric event space for creative events, espresso bar, and art and design library.

Cove Co Work. Photo – Toby Scott.

Cove Co Work – brisbane

Cove is centrally located in Newstead, Brisbane and offers a boutique site for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The Cove emphasises the power of collaboration and connections, and aims to facilitate these relationships through this first-class site.

The space is designed by Collectivus, and is the perfect mix of Nordic meets coastal – plenty of refined timber, copper finishes and soft seaside hues. The Cove has a membership of over 50 clients, who enjoy working among locally and nationally sourced interior objects.

Hub Collins Street. Photo – Anton Rehrl.

Hub – Melbourne

Hub Collins Street is located in the old Georges Building on Collins st, and was concept designed by HASSELL with a mammoth capacity for 600 members! An atrium spans three levels and floods the building with natural light. Heritage features of the Georges Building are integrated with contemporary additions, where restored art-deco retail counters sit alongside podcasting, photography and exercise studio. Historic grandeur meets modern workspace.

The Office Space. Photo – Trevor Mein.

The Office Space – Sydney

Located in the iconic Paramount House, The Office Space offers a luxury co-working experience with no details overlooked. The fit-out by Woods Bagot is both highly functional and exceptionally beautiful, with a heavy nod to mid-century design influence. Buttery warm wood and artisan joinery feature throughout the heritage site. The space is designed to encourage collaboration, while also providing privacy and tranquillity. With a cocktail bar on-site, knock off drinks are also taken care of!

Building No 2. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

Building No 2 – Melbourne

Building No 2 is a co-working space designed and run by Jerry Wolveridge and Christina Theodorou, just down the road from the Wolveridge Architecture offices in Collingwood. The space takes its name and material palette from the history of the site – a document storage facility for the CSIRO!

The architects have undertaken minimal structural interventions in the 60’s warehouse, instead allowing the heritage of the property to shine through. Building No 2 has been open for less than a year, but has already attracted a strong membership on the open studios and five private offices. The residents are largely (but not exclusively) from the building industry, and enthuse about the spacious high ceilings, glow of natural light, and the occasional hot lunches provided by Jerry and Christina.

La Porte. Photo – courtesy of La Porte.

La Porte – Sydney

La Porte space is an event space, wellness retreat and co-working hub – all executed in a serene white chic style! Located in Roseberry, NSW La Porte offices cater to entrepreneurs who enjoy the finer things in life. These luxury suites are crisp and sparkling, and we can only imagine the quality of work they inspire. With this level of polish, there is no excuse for messy email inboxes here.

The Porter. Photo – courtesy of The Porter.

The Porter – Sydney

The Porter was established in 2014, as a ‘curated, premium collaborative business space.’ The Porter offers both private and communal workspaces, and a flexible event space catering to over 100 guests. The aesthetic is described as ‘luxury residential’ – filled with candles and bookshelves, but the space is also incredibly high-tech. Smart furniture analyses how people use The Porter, using the data to shape how the improve the effectiveness of the designed space. Impressive!

United Co. Property developed by Kahlon. Interior design by PTID. Photo – courtesy of United Co.

United Co – Melbourne

The Fitzroy Business Centre by United Co has the tag line ‘Enjoy work. Enjoy collaboration’ – and the design of this co-working space certainly lends itself to a joyful working environment. The Smith Street centre offers 95 private offices, 106 hot desks and 8 meeting rooms in the expansive wood-panelled space.

The space maintains elements of a ‘warehouse’ vibe, as a nod to the local Fitzroy setting, with all the amenities you need for meetings, events, or desk space as part of a passionate entrepreneurial community.