Extensive Multi-Stage Installation During Active Construction
Background
Suncorp Group’s Brisbane headquarters at Heritage Lanes consolidates multiple office locations into one purpose-built space in the heart of the CBD. The building has received widespread recognition for its focus on sustainability and employee wellbeing—including being named Brisbane’s top workplace by global workplace analysts Leesman.
Following our successful collaboration at Suncorp’s Barangaroo office in Sydney, Indoor Plant Solutions was contracted to deliver a full-scale interior and exterior plant installation as part of the fit-out, contributing to the natural, welcoming environment that helped earn this recognition.
The Challenge
Spanning 18 floors, the Suncorp fit-out was one of our most complex and large-scale installations to date. We delivered over 7,000 plants across a wide range of species and more than 2,000 planters in a mix of standard and custom formats. The design brief called for diverse plant heights and tones while remaining cohesive with the building’s refined architecture and natural colour palette. Plants were carefully selected to complement the earthy palette of natural, sustainably sourced materials. Cork, stone and blackbutt timber were used throughout the fit-out to bring warmth and a sense of home to the interior. Our plant design played a central role in complementing and enhancing that materiality.
A standout challenge involved the building’s central fire curtain. No combustible materials could be used in this area, so timber and mulch were ruled out, and stone toppings were used instead. Additionally, many of the joinery elements were not adequately waterproofed, presenting a risk to the furniture and long-term plant health. Our team decided early on to address these issues properly rather than apply short-term fixes that could lead to future problems.
We also retrofitted top plates into hundreds of planters to securely house multiple plants per unit, adding visual impact and complexity. The processes required precision and coordination to meet the project’s high design standards.
Moreover, the building was still an active construction site, so we needed to carefully plan around the active worksite and site access. The team were also required to complete site inductions and follow strict safety protocols. To avoid disruption, all plant installations were scheduled outside of business hours, with teams working late shifts from 4pm until midnight to avoid disruption. The entire install was staged over a six-month period, with teams of up to 10 staff onsite at a time.
The Solution
We approached the installation with careful planning and a strong focus on quality. Our planting schemes featured a selection of species such as Ficus lyrata, Dracaena deremensis, Ficus burgundy, Ficus longifolia, Ficus elastica, Spathiphyllum, and Strelitzia. Each was chosen for its hardiness, visual variety and suitability for the site’s light and airflow conditions.
In response to the fire curtain restrictions, we used stone toppings exclusively in the centre of the building and woodchip elsewhere to match the surrounding finishes. Joinery units were carefully waterproofed using sealed internal liners and planters, ensuring plant health and protection for the material. Despite the after-hours schedule and active worksite, our team worked efficiently throughout, delivering each phase on time with a consistently high standard of execution.
The Results
The final result was a warm, calm, and visually striking environment, with greenery integrated into communal and private workspaces. The plant styling elevated and enhanced staff wellbeing while aligning with Suncorp’s sustainability goals. Since installation, our team has maintained the plants on-site, with two dedicated staff members providing care three days per week. Only now, 3.5 years into the contract, are we beginning to make minor plant changes—demonstrating the level of care, consistency and expertise our team has maintained to keep the plants thriving over time.
This project highlights our organisation’s ability to deliver high-volume, multi-floor installations for large private sector clients while managing logistical, safety, and technical challenges without compromising timelines or finish quality. It also reflects the strength of ongoing partnerships, with our previous work at Suncorp Barangaroo directly leading to this opportunity.
Ready to level up your office greenery? Contact Indoor Plant Solutions at 1300 571 571 for a free consultation.