One The Esplanade

By honouring the history and heritage of First Nations people and the importance of the site to its Traditional Owners, One The Esplanade creates a lasting legacy that celebrates the past while embracing a shared future.

One The Esplanade, located on the banks of the Derbarl Yerrigan — Swan River, on Whadjuk Country in Perth, Western Australia — celebrates the site’s historical significance as a gathering place and a place for trade. Embracing this narrative, its design revolves around the essence of coming together and celebration’, a concept seamlessly integrated into the architecture, landscape and public spaces. 

Working closely with the client, Brookfield Properties and cultural partners Soft Earth our team ensured a deep connection to Whadjuk Country by respecting the site’s rich trading history, use of endemic planting and commissioned artworks by First Nations artists which acknowledge the energy and story of the place. 

Multiple entry points to the 29-storey commercial office tower ensure that public spaces are easily accessible to visitors all year round. This emphasis on inclusivity creates a vibrant hub where people can gather, interact and enjoy various amenities such as multiple food and beverage outlets, end-of-trip facilities, childcare services, a gymnasium and a private exhibition space. The inclusion of generous native landscaped spaces not only enhances the site but also provides a habitat to encourage wildlife.

On the level three podium, a native rooftop landscape inspired by the building’s riverside location echoes the permeable, publicly accessible ground level. It’s a versatile space that extends the workplace experience throughout the year featuring outdoor pods as distinctive meeting spaces. It also serves as an event venue, capitalising on its picturesque waterfront and cityscape surroundings.

One The Esplanade’s unique design was formed around the preservation of a large heritage Moreton Bay Fig tree, which forms the background to the main foyer and creates a natural, external meeting place. Here, in the main entrance, visitors are greeted by generous spaces filled with daylight. Fluted terrazzo, brass inlays and Australian timber create a timeless elegance. Expansive tenant floors above, spanning 2,000 m², offer uninterrupted views of the Derbarl Yerrigan and beyond. This enables occupants to connect with the natural environment, enhancing their overall wellbeing while they work.

Client

Brookfield Properties

Location

Whadjuk Country
Perth, Western Australia

Status

Completed

Year

2023

Sustainability Ratings

6-Star GBCA Green Star (target)
NABERS Energy rating 5.5 Star (target)
NABERS Water rating 5 Star (target)
WELL Gold (target)

Scale

93,852 sqm

Collaborators

Soft Earth
Carol Innes AM
Barry McGuire

Design team

Peter Dean, Natalie Busch, Michael Hardman, Pollyann Gee, Peter Lee, Brad Anderson, Zannah Anderson, Philip Davies, Sarah Gaikhorst, Hannah Galloway, Belinda Gilby, James Gough, Troy Horrocks, Prudence Major, Kimberley McGrath, Jerome Monty, Jill Turpin, Derek Tallon, Samuel Travers, Patrick Vereker

Photography

Peter Bennetts

Nothing like this has been done here [in Perth] before. Doing something together, collaboratively, respectfully — this type of project and process could inform the nation… so that we can all have something to celebrate together.”

Carol Innes AM, Whadjuk Working Group
  • Ensuring the building can adapt to future user requirements, the location of the core — which accommodates passenger and goods lifts, fire stairs, service risers and bathrooms — has been shifted to one side to maximise re-use of the floor area. Additionally, the building’s large 12 x 12m structural column grid is designed to minimise future constraints on re-use.
  • The lobby area is equipped with underfloor thermal displacement air-conditioning, which utilises the principle of cool air sinking and warm air rising to provide efficient and comfortable climate control. This system helps maintain a pleasant indoor environment for occupants while minimising energy consumption.
  • Within the building, a prominent Oculus takes centre stage, featuring a large, locally sourced native Tuart Tree as its anchor. It’s a symbolic representation signifying a strong connection to the land. The visibility of the tree from key interior spaces and arrival points serve as a constant reminder of the interplay between nature and human activity.
  • To encourage sustainable transport, we limited the number of traditional car bays and provided more bays for electric vehicles and disabled visitors than required by local authority. Expansive end-of-trip facilities and connections to the gym are included to encourage runners as well as cyclists.

2024 Australian Institute of Architects WA Chapter, Ross Chisholm and Gil Nicol Award for Commercial Architecture

One the Esplanade is a fine addition to the Perth CBD and one that confidently embraces a prominent corner of the evolving Elizabeth Quay Precinct.

— Australian Institute of Architects WA Awards Jury

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