Raising the bar for regenerative construction through the world's most rigorous sustainability standard

Hassell Studio 55

Targeting a Living Building Challenge (LBC) certification, this fitout doesn't just reach net-zero — it actively restores and gives back to the environment.  

We were proud to play a part in delivering Hassell’s extraordinary vision, bringing deep construction expertise to every phase of delivery and helping to meet the rigorous demands of the International Living Future Institute's LBC certification. The standard sets a new benchmark for sustainability in the built environment — moving beyond net-zero to create spaces that actively give back to the environment. The result proves that ambition, paired with the right team, can redefine what's possible in sustainable fitout. 

"We wanted a space that tests our design thinking in real time, and delivering it to strict Living Building Challenge guidelines required an exceptional level of collaboration.   Partnering with MPA allowed us to realise our vision of 'sustainable brutalism.' Every decision, from material reuse to exposed services, was a rigorous creative challenge. By successfully experimenting on our own workspace, we’ve proven this resource-conscious strategy is a highly viable approach we can now apply to our clients’ projects at Hassell."

Rob Backhouse
Principal and Chair, Hassell  

That result started long before we arrived on site; our early involvement helped to change the outcome. We refined material selection against budget and programme before construction began, reviewing ingredient lists, emissions testing, chain-of-custody documentation, and declaration forms for every single specified material, and substituting anything non-compliant before it ever reached site. From a construction standpoint, this front-loaded diligence was the difference between a smooth build and a stalled one, every substitution made on paper was one less delay, one less redesign, and one less compliance issue discovered mid-fitout, when the cost of changing course is highest. 

Circularity was built in at every stage of this project. Salvaged furniture, joinery, and AV equipment from Hassell's previous studio were seamlessly reintegrated, alongside elements of the base build, significantly reducing demand for new materials and finishes. Where new was necessary, these solutions were chosen intentionally: Saveboard recycled PET board, FSC-certified timber, Autex recycled plastic acoustic insulation, and 90 custom light fittings in recycled aluminium. 

Every subcontractor completed dedicated LBC training, because on a project this ambitious, shared knowledge and purpose was essential. Our team operated in full alignment and with complete transparency with Hassell to ensure our building smarts could be fully utilised. 

Not only does this fitout reach new heights for regenerative design, it also supports the culture and future of Hassell’s team. An open-plan, light-filled workplace, the flexible space thrives on collaboration. Built on an adaptable architectural grid, our extensive experience with modular partitioning and high-quality, reusable and reconfigurable materials ensured that anything added was built with longevity and sustainability in mind. 

  • Location

    55 Collins Street, Melbourne

  • Size

    970 sqm

  • Partners

    Hassell, Arup

  • Delivery Method

    ECI