DLA Piper

DLA Piper’s fit-out at 80 Collins Street is a project that speaks quietly, yet with conviction. While the interior itself reflects a refined and timeless workplace, the real story begins earlier — embedded within the base building.

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Designed by Woods Bagot and delivered with a clear commitment to quality and sustainability, the ceiling system was conceived long before the tenancy took shape, setting a benchmark that would ultimately define the experience of the space.

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Rather than concealing or reworking these base elements, the fit-out by Hassell embraces them. It is a decision that shifts the narrative — from replacement to integration — allowing the original architectural intent to carry through.

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The lay-on metal pan ceiling system, spanning 1200m², establishes a consistent and disciplined language across the workplace. With 1500 x 300mm panels finished in a crisp RAL 9003 white, the ceiling reads as clean and controlled, forming a quiet backdrop to the activity below.

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At the heart of this system lies a carefully considered environmental strategy. The integration of chilled beam technology above the ceiling introduces a passive approach to heating and cooling, where conditioned air is delivered through perforations in the metal panels.

This allows the ceiling to operate as both an architectural and environmental interface — one that supports occupant comfort while maintaining visual clarity. It is a solution that reflects a broader commitment to sustainability, where performance is embedded rather than applied.

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Detailing throughout the space reinforces this sense of restraint. Lighting is seamlessly integrated, perimeter bulkheads are resolved with precision, and floating column rings sit effortlessly within the ceiling plane. These elements are present, yet never intrusive — a testament to the level of coordination between design and delivery. Acoustic performance, treated at the underside of the slab to achieve an NRC of 0.70, further supports the workplace environment, ensuring clarity without disruption.

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Delivered by MPA, with ceiling installations by Expoconti and Paracon, the execution reflects a shared understanding of the design intent. Every component aligns with the broader architectural vision, resulting in a space that feels cohesive and resolved.

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DLA Piper ultimately demonstrates the value of continuity — a project where the base build is not simply retained, but elevated. It is a reminder that when design is approached with rigour from the outset, the need for reinvention disappears, replaced instead by a seamless extension of an already well-considered foundation.