Healthy, High-Performance Workspace Design

This healthy office design in Canberra transformed an underutilised space beneath an existing balcony into the headquarters of reimagined habitat — a calm, comfortable and high-performance workspace designed to reflect the principles we believe homes and workplaces should embody.

Recently recognised as a finalist in the BDAA National Awards for projects under $100,000, the project demonstrates how thoughtful design and targeted performance upgrades can completely transform even small or previously unused spaces.

The office was designed as both a functional workspace and a living demonstration of healthy, high-performance building principles. Natural, low-toxicity materials were carefully selected throughout the project to support healthier indoor air quality and create a calm and welcoming atmosphere.

Large uPVC triple glazed AluClad windows supplied through our sister company, Net Zero Plus, play a central role in the performance of the space. The windows allow generous natural light and garden views into the office while helping reduce outside noise and maintain highly stable indoor temperatures throughout the year.

Externally mounted automated blinds provide additional solar protection during summer, helping prevent overheating before heat even reaches the glazing. Combined with the triple glazing and insulated building envelope, the system performs exceptionally well even during Canberra’s climate extremes.

Despite the cold Canberra winters, the office often remains warm and comfortable without needing to turn on the heater — demonstrating the real-world benefits of thoughtful passive solar design, insulation and high-performance windows.

The project also incorporates blow-in insulation to the walls and ceiling, thermal mass flooring to help regulate temperatures, exposed Baltic pine beams and carefully selected natural finishes that bring warmth and texture into the space.

Mechanical ventilation further supports indoor air quality and comfort by supplying fresh air and maintaining a healthy indoor environment throughout the year.

Beyond functioning as our headquarters, the office also acts as a small demonstration space for clients interested in learning more about high-performance building systems. Samples of our prefab wall panels and high-performance window systems are available to view in the office.

If you are located in the Canberra region and would like to see the windows or prefab panel systems in person, you are very welcome to visit — we simply ask that you contact us beforehand so we can ensure somebody is available at the office.

The result is a bright, healthy and highly comfortable workspace that reflects the core principles behind reimagined habitat: thoughtful design, healthy materials, long-term comfort and high-performance living