Following the successful revitalisation of Building 8 at Exchange Quay, focus shifted to Building FIVE, a 13-storey, multi-tenant office tower offering 80,000ft² of workspace and the opportunity to reimagine its reception as a purposeful threshold between public realm and workplace.

The design was shaped by circular economy principles and a low-waste philosophy, treating the interior not as a blank canvas, but as a layered composition to be carefully read and revealed. The process involved identifying which elements could be retained, refreshed or reinterpreted, reducing removal and avoiding unnecessary consumption.

Materials and finishes were assessed for quality, performance, and character. Floor and ceiling systems were preserved, while other elements were sensitively upgraded with minimal intervention. A painted MDF archway was overclad in stained walnut, creating a warm internal portal that complements the granite-framed exterior, establishing a clear procession from outside to in.

A preserved moss wall, now enhanced with green spotlights, brings a vibrant living texture to the lounge area, creating an informal zone for meetings or quiet work. The original reception desk was retained and re-clad to harmonise with the updated palette, while a new curved concierge point introduces a more welcoming and flexible arrival moment.

New insertions were impactful but measured. A bold electric-blue wall panelling provides a strong visual anchor and ties into the broader Exchange Quay campus totem signage. Subtle brand details – including a metallic tenant board, clean sans-serif typography, and glazed manifestations – contribute clarity, character, and help reinforce the building’s refreshed identity.

At Building FIVE, refurbishment was approached as a creative act of resourcefulness, prioritising intelligent decision-making over wholesale replacement. The result is a confident, contemporary arrival space that enriches the daily experience, supports a connected workplace culture, and serves as a thoughtful example of sustainable, future-focused design.