CSR Gyprock

CSR GYPROCK engaged Workspace360 in January 2022 to assist with space planning and a small fitout of their Headquarters in Yarraville, Victoria.

Our team took measurements on site, then created a sketch floor plan of the area within scope, (open plan office area central to the floor – about 260m2), leaving the offices on the perimeter, boardroom, meeting rooms, galley kitchen and amenities out of scope. The total floor area being 670m2 on level 1, and 485m2 on the Ground floor.

They were surprised at the efficiencies that could be achieved, and keen to explore that with us further, after providing the best solutions from a number of suppliers initially engaged.

Our workshop design process followed, and during this time, it was determined another area of the business, the Engineering Operations Plant in the warehouse, also needed a review of their space, and could potentially provide the churn space opportunity for an upgrade to HQ, if staged correctly.

Several workshops were undertaken, developing the plans to include a new 120m2 kitchen and breakout space, opening up the rest of the space for more workspace, and also to understand the intricate mechanics of CSR and the way they work, determining a need for larger desks and more storage for the engineering team, as opposed to minimal storage and smaller desks for head office, due to the nature of their work. Acoustics were also a big challenge in the Engineering offices, as they were right in amongst the CSR Plant that churns out thousands of sheets of Gyprock Plaster every day. We held meetings in there to understand more about this and it became evident a robust acoustic treatment was needed as part of design.

We worked closely with Luke Pochec and the Product Team at CSR to identify CSR products such as Troldtek, Cemintel and Deco Panel that would be used as ceiling and wall treatments, to help combat the acoustic issues, within the design. In addition, as part of the new ceilings scoped, we included added insulation throughout.

These treatments were incorporated into the Renders we developed, to allow CSR to visualise the end solution we were proposing both for the Engineering office and their HQ Stage 2 project.

The outcome around acoustics for the Engineering office was beyond their expectations, both in terms of external and internal noise. There were initial concerns by some about losing their L Shaped Desks with high screens, this team requires for concentrated work, however, the feedback from the Operations Manager Nick and team has been very positive. “We can’t believe how quiet it is in here, it’s been really surprising, even if I I’m on a Teams, I don’t have any issues and nor do those around me, it’s quite amazing really.”  

The complex Stage 1 project, undertaken in a live manufacturing plant, was completed mid Dec, within three months of the commencement date, with an ecstatic team moving in pre-Christmas. The outcome was a complete transformation from old school depressing, drab warehouse offices to state of the art, spacious facilities that have now become the benchmark for CSR.

At a later stage, the amenities at both Engineering and HQ became part of our scope, to upgrade entirely for Engineering, or in the case of HQ, a light refresh to existing. Stage 1 were completed in January of 2023, with Stage 2, completed as part of the larger project for HQ, in June 2023.

The 1155m2 HQ project swung into full swing In January 2023, with finals plans agreed in mid Feb, thanks to Workspace360 detailed Project packs, clearly outlining all project details, including Key Objectives, Floor Plans, Joinery Drawings, Renders, FFE and Finishes Schedules, Cost Plans and Project Programs, allowing the client to easily digest everything and make quick decisions, as they know exactly what they are getting, and that it aligns with their key objectives.

CSR Key Objectives

1. Provide staff accommodation for 92+ within HQ –G & L1 & Ops space
2. Improve floor space efficiency & Co-location/collaboration of Dept’s
3. Improve the staff user experience at work
4. Transform the built environment –a destination that attracts and retains
5. Address staff concerns regarding acoustics, HVAC, natural light etc
6. Improve functionality & ergonomics (USB charging, task work, visibility)
7. Showcase CSR product, eg; Martini throughout the built environment
8. Minimise impact to CSR operations through a staged approach
9. Deliver the project, over three stages, on time and on budget

The project budget for HQ Ground floor and Level 1 was approved in early March 2023, and our team were onsite days later with Building Permits finalised, undertaking significant Demolition. Build works, including new ceilings throughout, glazed and solid partitions, new kitchen and breakouts on both levels and extensive joinery works were undertaken in rapid time, allowing our team to complete the project a month ahead of schedule! CSR were thrilled as their teams were mostly off site until Project PC. CSR often provided very positive feedback about our teams onsite, around their professionalism, attention detail and care they showed throughout.

The outcome for CSR has been a major transformation of two sites at their Yarraville Head Quarters, with further projects in progress. The client is thrilled with the outcome and has offered site tours with our future clients any time.

For a tour, please contact us to find out more.