The Client
- The Client
- The Challenge
- Strategy
- Design
- Delivery
- Testimonial
The Client
Headquartered in Sydney, Pacific National is Australia’s largest private rail freight operator, running 24/7, every day of the year.
The Challenge
Pacific National aimed to transition from a multi-floor, traditional office to a connected, agile workspace that would actively drive collaboration, culture, and employee engagement. This transformation had to be delivered within a fixed budget and tight timeline constraints. Key challenges included:
- Siloed operations: A four-floor layout physically disconnected teams, limiting spontaneous collaboration and engagement.
- Cultural alignment: The existing office did not reflect the Pacific National Approach (PNA) or core values, negatively impacting employee engagement.
- Workplace magnetism: The workspace lacked appeal and flexibility, hindering the goal of enticing employees back to the office.
- Fixed constraints: The office design had to meet operational needs while adhering to a tight budget and non-negotiable move-in schedule.
Strategy
Spaceful developed a strategy focused on using the physical environment to spark enthusiasm, encourage connection, and embed core company values. Key strategic goals included:
- Maximise connectivity by transitioning the business from four floors to two and removing physical barriers for spontaneous interaction.
- Encourage movement through flexible spaces that cater to diverse work styles and comfort levels.
- Enhance operational efficiency by optimising the new footprint for higher utilisation, scalability and faster decision-making.
- Celebrate heritage to strengthen brand and culture, increasing employee satisfaction and driving office attendance.
- Support retention and wellbeing through a flexible, engaging environment designed to improve employee satisfaction.
Design
The design concept, ‘Spark the Pacific National’, was engineered to ignite collaboration, attendance, and belonging. The aesthetic blends PN’s corporate colours with earthy tones inspired by the Australian outback. Materials like steel and timber provide a tactile link to the company’s rail heritage.
Inspired by Pacific National’s rail networks, a continuous ‘trackway’ path links collaboration zones and naturally divides the office into distinct neighbourhoods:
- Vertical connection: The interconnecting staircase was the central feature, enabling the downsize from four floors to two, and actively encouraging cross-team engagement to break down silos.
- Agile work settings: The space offers a balanced mix of quiet pods, collaboration benches, phone booths, and open-plan areas. Executives are positioned within open-plan areas to promote visibility and engagement.
The design fully integrates the company’s values and commitment to people, including 24/7 operations:
- Heritage storytelling: Rail-inspired artwork, a signature model train feature, and local rail hub naming conventions turn brand identity into a lived daily experience. Colour-coded rooms and intuitive lighting reinforce clear wayfinding.
- 24/7 Wellbeing: Dedicated breakout areas are strategically placed along the perimeter to maximise natural light, enhanced by biophilic elements. A large café-inspired breakout space with spectacular views encourages socialisation. Dedicated wellness rooms offer staff a place to relax and rejuvenate.
Technology was used with precision and consistency: unified AV, sound scaping, smart locker systems, and desk/room booking tools offer intuitive usability and flexibility.
Delivery
The Pacific National office fit-out in Sydney was completed on schedule and within budget. Highlights include:
- Seamless installation of the interconnecting staircase
- Full integration of all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
- Comprehensive Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) peer review aligned with the building’s 5 Green Star and 5.5 NABERS energy rating
- Effective waste management plan with onsite recycling of construction materials
- Installation of energy-efficient LED lighting with occupancy sensors and high-performance insulation to optimise energy use
Testimonial
“Our vision was to create a working environment that inspired our people to connect, collaborate and engage. An environment that encouraged people to come into the office - one that was appealing, easy and enjoyable to work in. Now, as we adapt to our new ways of working, we're thrilled to see more of our people in the office, embracing the new space and reconnecting in person.”
— Melanie Withers Head of Communications at Pacific National
