Creating a Green and Inspired Workplace in a Landmark Fit-out
Afterpay, Australia’s number one ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ platform, makes shopping easier by offering flexible payment options. It allows customers to buy now, enjoy their purchases, and pay later in manageable fortnightly instalments. Afterpay’s commitment to innovation and sustainability doesn’t stop at its business model – it extends into the spaces where its teams collaborate and create. When the company set out to design a new workplace in a repurposed brewery, the vision was clear: a contemporary, functional, and beautifully designed office that would inspire employees and reflect its forward-thinking values.
The Brewery, Afterpay’s latest Sydney HQ, is a remarkable fusion of old-world architecture and modern innovation. The iconic building had been transformed to integrate state-of-the-art facilities while preserving its rich heritage.
To achieve this, the project fit-out partner, Buildcorp, approached Indoor Plant Solutions for expert assistance in sourcing artificial trees. As the project continued, we were engaged to supply live plants and custom planters that would complement their unique office space.
The Challenge: Integrating Greenery into a Heritage Fit-out
With Afterpay’s new office in a heritage-listed former brewery, it presented unique challenges. Our goal was to harmoniously incorporate modern amenities while respecting the building’s historical architecture. Retrofitting the industrial space without compromising its character required careful planning and execution.
One of the primary challenges was acquiring two large, high-quality artificial trees that looked entirely natural. The trees had to integrate with the built-in joinery and feature lighting, requiring careful design coordination. Additionally, Afterpay’s design team wanted customised pots that would enhance the space’s aesthetic appeal while ensuring long-term durability.
Another hurdle was a dark joinery unit under a staircase, where low-light conditions made plant selection particularly complex. We needed to identify plant species that could thrive with minimal natural light while aligning with the brand’s aesthetic vision.
Finally, our team had to work around multiple tradespeople during the fit-out, precisely timing the installation to avoid disruptions. Coordination was further complicated by the project manager’s interstate location, making onsite decision-making more challenging. Overcoming these obstacles required expertise, strategic planning, and seamless collaboration.
Our Solution
Leveraging deep industry expertise and strong supplier relationships, our team ensured a smooth and efficient execution.
- Artificial Tree Procurement & Integration: Our team worked closely with a trusted supplier to source large artificial trees that looked indistinguishable from lifelike foliage. By collaborating with Buildcorp and the joinery designers, we ensured that the trees’ structural support aligned with the office layout and integrated feature lighting, enhancing the space while requiring zero maintenance.
- Custom Pots: Function Meets Design. We leveraged our strong relationships with Australian wholesalers to source custom pots tailored to the space. These pots were not only designed to match the interior aesthetics but also treated and waterproofed for long-term indoor durability.
- Low-Light Plant Selection for Challenging Spaces: Addressing the issue of low-light conditions, our horticulturists used their expertise to select plant species that could thrive in dimly lit environments. The team strategically positioned these plants to maintain vibrancy while aligning with the office’s aesthetic goals.
- Seamless Installation & Coordination with Trades: We had to be highly adaptive with multiple trades working onsite and a project manager based interstate. Our team ensured seamless integration of all elements by maintaining constant communication, providing regular visual updates, and coordinating carefully with other contractors. The installation was also conducted outside peak hours, allowing for a smooth transition without impacting daily operations.
The Impact: A Seamless Blend of Nature & Workplace Needs
We successfully met the challenges of Afterpay’s heritage-listed office fit-out through adaptability, problem-solving, and seamless collaboration. Working with interstate project managers and multiple stakeholders, we ensured a smooth process despite complex logistics. Our team showcased their expertise by overcoming architectural constraints to create a vibrant, functional, and seamlessly integrated green space.
With a reputation for balancing aesthetics with functionality, we are the ideal partner for businesses seeking to enhance their workplaces with functional greenery. Are you ready to transform your workplace with stunning greenery? Contact Indoor Plant Solutions today to bring nature into your space!
