丨澳大利亚悉尼丨Collins and Turner,Geyer

Carpe Diem Companionway

Collaborative workspace redefined

Carpe Diem Companionway

Project Story

Details

Awards

Occupying levels 30 and 31 of Tower Two, International Towers Barangaroo, Carpe Diem represents a progressive model for workplace design — a curated, multi-tenant environment conceived to foster innovation, collaboration, and a strong sense of community wellbeing.

Located within Barangaroo, recognised globally as one of the world’s leading sustainable urban precincts, the project sits at the heart of Australia’s most advanced environmental and social sustainability initiative. Barangaroo has achieved a 6 Star Green Star – Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia — the highest possible rating — reflecting its world-class leadership in sustainable design, carbon neutrality, and community engagement.

Developed in collaboration with interior architects Geyer, Carpe Diem responds to a broader cultural shift in the nature of work. Moving beyond conventional, hierarchical office structures, the project embraces a more fluid, social, and experience-driven workplace typology. Through a carefully curated tenancy model, it encourages both formal and informal interaction between organisations, creating opportunities for cross-pollination, knowledge exchange, and the emergence of new ideas.

At the heart of the project is the Companionway — a dramatic, double-height volume that physically and socially connects the two levels. Designed by Collins and Turner in collaboration with Geyer and International Towers Sydney (ITS), the Companionway is a suspended stair and platform system that hangs delicately at the building’s edge. This sculptural insertion supports a range of uses — from casual meetings and individual work to performances, talks, and public events — while offering panoramic views across Sydney Harbour, the Western City and the Blue Mountains.

The design reveals and celebrates the building’s original concrete superstructure, integrating new engineering seamlessly within a refined palette of materials. The stair combines American oak treads with low-iron glass balustrades, bronze-plated fixtures, and a bespoke suspension system. High-grade automotive leather wraps custom handrails and integrated seating, which can retract at the touch of a button. Above, an acoustic timber-batten ceiling incorporates discrete panels of mirror that reflect the harbour’s movement and light, creating a constantly changing atmosphere that connects the workspace to its spectacular setting.

Carpe Diem is home to a diverse community of forward-thinking organisations, including the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Green Building Council of Australia, and Bangarra Dance Theatre. The project champions values of sustainability, cultural engagement, and

innovation, and was awarded the People’s Choice Award for Best of the Decade – Workspace Design (Asia Pacific) at the 2020 INDE.Awards.

“This is a big call to make, but this is quite likely one of the best workplaces in the world.”

Dr Brandon Gien, CEO, Good Design Awards and presenter, Australia By Design

The immediacy of the maritime context is drawn in through details of nautical precision. Carpe Diem is a kinetic architecture enhanced by the movement of people scaling the stair and the flexibility of space achieved with push perfect sliding leather banquettes. The coolness of the stainless steel is contrasted with the warmth of the leather and timber. The materiality and detailing makes for a tactile experience unlocked through a structural solution that effortlessly floats treads and platforms alike. Fundamental to the project was the resolution of complex structural changes required to remove concrete slabs, floor beams and support the facade and level of the building above. The structural design inserted to manage this feat is so expertly detailed it disappears from view accentuating the perception of the companionway platform.

AIA Awards Citation, September 2021

Details

Client: International Towers Sydney

Country: Gadigal

Structure: Arup

Interior and workspace: Geyer

Lighting: LLight

Landscape: Aspect Studios

Project Management: ST Projects

Builder: Buildcorp

Photographer: Richard Glover

Awards:

2021: AIA – NSW – Interior Architecture Award – Winner

2020: INDE Awards – Asia Pacific – People’s Choice Winner- Best of the Decade; Good Design Awards – Architectural Interior – Winner; AIDA Awards – Workspace Design – Shortlisted; Property Council 2020 Innovation and Excellence Awards – best Workspace – Finalist

2019: MBA NSW Awards – Commercial Interior – $10-$15m – Winner

Acknowledgement of Country: We acknowledge the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation as the traditional custodians of the lands on which we live and work. We recognise their continuing connection to the lands and waters that surround our projects.