Completed in 2007, this administration building remains a key part of ARM’s masterplan for Digital Harbour’s technology-focused community. Originally designed for start-ups and research enterprises in the IT sector, it continues to offer a flexible and adaptable workspace.
The building prioritises versatility, with an on-off perimeter wall system based on common office modules and open-plan spaces that allow for seamless technology upgrades and repurposing. Spaces can be quickly reconfigured, fostering collaboration and idea exchange among tenants.
A distinctive feature is its exposed services—pipes and wiring are left visible, eliminating the need for ceilings. This approach simplifies refits, reduces material use, and creates a dynamic workspace with varied heights and volumes.
The building features a generous foyer (which was recently refurbished) that leads to the lift lobby and ground-floor café facilities, designed to encourage social interaction and connections between tenants.
Through the imaginative use of standard building materials and construction methods, 1010 La Trobe Street reinterprets proven technologies in a creative and distinctive way.
The building’s black-and-white façade is a well-known example of the café wall (or Münsterberg) optical illusion. The rows of rectangles appear to narrow toward one side or the other, yet the horizontal lines dividing them are, in fact, perfectly parallel.
“The design of 1010 La Trobe street incorporates world leading environmental design principles and technologies. ARM Architecture has approached the design with a clear focus on reducing environmental impact to create an office complex that lives harmoniously within its environment”
—Green Building Council of Australia