Project: Transgrid Workspace
Architecture: Gray Puksand
Location: Sydney, Australia
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Gray Puksand
Transgrid Workspace by Gray Puksand represents a transformative redesign of the company’s headquarters in Ultimo, Sydney. Spanning four floors, the project reimagines how staff interact, collaborate, and focus, with a design that blends flexibility, cultural connection, and sustainability. The result is a revitalized workplace that strengthens community while reflecting the company’s values and vision for the future.
A Flexible and Agile Workplace
The new Transgrid Workspace adopts an agile working model, providing employees with diverse options for different modes of work. Centralized collaboration zones encourage teamwork, while informal breakout spaces and private focus pods create balance for concentration and quiet reflection. This variety of environments addresses the shortcomings of the previous layout, offering staff greater choice and adaptability in their daily routines.
Revitalizing Underutilized Spaces
One of the project’s standout achievements is the transformation of the Winter Garden. Once underused, it has been redesigned as a vibrant social hub, equipped with a new kitchen, flexible furniture, and advanced AV systems. This space now supports collaboration, informal meetings, and community events, reinforcing the company’s commitment to cultural and social connection.
A Design Inspired by Energy and Connection
The design concept of “converging” reflects Transgrid’s role in energy transmission, symbolizing both the flow of electricity and the bringing together of people. Circular and linear elements merge throughout the workspace, subtly referencing electricity lines and networks. Indigenous motifs and branding elements were integrated into client-facing areas, strengthening ties to community and culture while creating a welcoming environment.
On level 9, dedicated to Lumea, a similar design ethos was applied with a softer palette enriched by bold accents. The result is a creative and informal setting that complements Lumea’s innovative spirit, while still maintaining coherence with the overall identity of the headquarters.
Sustainability and Heritage Value
A key objective of the redesign was to achieve a minimum 5-star Green Star rating. Sustainability informed every stage of the process, from reusing existing meeting rooms to repurposing timber blades from original telegraph poles as tiered seating in the Winter Garden. These reclaimed elements not only reduced waste but also carried emotional and historical value, symbolizing community gatherings and continuity.
A Workspace for the Future
The revitalized Transgrid Workspace now embodies a workplace designed around people, culture, and sustainability. With improved movement between floors, flexible layouts, and a focus on collaboration, the office serves as both a functional hub and a cultural landmark for the organization. By honoring history while embracing modern practices, Gray Puksand has delivered a progressive design that empowers staff and reflects the company’s evolving role in Australia’s energy future.
