Kaurna People
South Australia
Situated on a mixed-use industrial estate, McMahon Services Australia’s renewed head office transforms an industrial shed into a next-generation, people-centric workplace. The project refurbished existing offices and converts a former mechanical workshop into flexible, light-filled spaces that prioritise wellbeing and collaboration whilst clearly expressing McMahon’s identity as both builder and client.
A new mezzanine and spiral stair physically and visually connect floors, whilst a welcoming “main street” links reception, café and workplace zones, encouraging informal interaction between teams. Honest, robust materials, including custom glass reinforced concrete elements designed with McMahon’s subsidiary Asurco, celebrate construction craft and capability.
Extensive stakeholder engagement underpinned a radical shift to an open, office-free layout (except for the CEO), supported by diverse meeting rooms, quiet booths and a library space. Adaptive reuse of the shed fabric, abundant planting and controlled natural light deliver a high-performing, value-conscious workplace that champions people, culture and sustainability.
Our new office has changed the way we work, for the better. The open-plan workspaces, high ceilings and visual connection has increased collaboration across our teams. Architecturally bespoke features such as the GRC wave walls, curved circular stair, and round quiet-rooms create inviting and engaging spaces. Open-plan workstations are thoughtfully broken up with real plants, introducing a soft, green experience that enhances wellbeing whilst supporting productivity and connection. Our staff love coming to our new headquarters, spending time with their peers and carrying out their day-to-day work. It’s hard to believe this used to be a shed, what a transformation!
Andrew Schunke, Principal in Charge
Diana Rosenthal, Project Leader, Stakeholder Engagement
Daniel Stanning, Interior Designer
Stuart Uren, Project Architect
Andrew Sant, Designer
Sam Wee, Interior Designer
Brendon Harslett, Interior Designer
Sarah Hanley, Interior Designer
Xanthe Ward, Interior Designer
Orly Darwent, Graduate of Architecture
SMEC, Structural Engineer
Secon Consulting Engineers, Services Consultant
BCA Engineers, Hydraulic Consultant
Sonus, Acoustic Consultant