The Fieldworks-designed Everlane Cremorne office building in Melbourne has been recognized with the 2025 National Award for Commercial Architecture, earning praise from the jury for its exceptional contextual response and meticulous execution. The project stands out as a model for semi-suburban office development, demonstrating how contemporary commercial architecture can successfully integrate into diverse neighborhood environments.
Located on a narrow street in Melbourne's Cremorne area on Wurundjeri Country, the building navigates a challenging urban context surrounded by warehouse-style offices and single-story residential houses. The architects at Fieldwork achieved a careful balance of scale while maintaining a strong neighborhood character, creating a development that feels both progressive and respectful of its surroundings.
The building's distinctive design features two separate architectural forms that work together harmoniously. The four-story base section is finished in warm terracotta tones and enhanced with strategic landscaping to soften its appearance. This lower portion is deliberately set back from the street edge, creating an inviting sunny corner that accommodates outdoor cafe seating and green space. A dedicated laneway provides direct access for workers and cyclists, emphasizing the building's commitment to sustainable transportation options.
The upper floors showcase a dramatic shift to silver-toned facades, which are carefully articulated with custom-designed sun-shading elements. This dual-material approach not only creates visual interest but also responds to the practical needs of solar control and energy efficiency. The bespoke shading system demonstrates the project's attention to both aesthetic and functional considerations.
Inside, the typical floors exemplify best practices in contemporary office design. The floor plates are designed for maximum efficiency and adaptability, allowing for flexible workspace configurations. The building incorporates low-carbon materials throughout, reflecting growing environmental consciousness in commercial construction. Building services are neatly integrated, and Juliet balconies provide opportunities for natural ventilation and fresh air access.
One of the project's most celebrated features is its rooftop garden, which the jury described as an unexpected highlight. This generous, well-planted outdoor space serves as a genuine extension of the workplace, offering employees a retreat with sweeping views of the surrounding area. The roof garden represents a significant amenity that enhances both the building's environmental performance and the quality of the work environment.
The project involved an extensive team of professionals led by architect Fieldwork. The project team included Joachim Quino Holland, Tim Brooks, Sukhjit Kaur, Holly Slater, Vlad Doudakliev, Eoghan McCarthy, Piers Morgan, Ahmad Ridzwan, and Lisa Garner. Figurehead Construction served as the builder, while Openwork provided landscape consulting services and Mim Design handled interior design.
Additional specialized consultants included DDA Before Compliance for accessibility compliance, BG and E for facade engineering, and Omnii for fire engineering services. Stantec provided electrical services, while Webber Design contributed structural engineering and civil consulting expertise. Town planning services were provided by Contour Consultants Australia, and photography was completed by Tom Ross.
The award recognition establishes Everlane Cremorne as a new benchmark for semi-suburban office development in Australia. The project demonstrates how thoughtful design can create commercial buildings that enhance their neighborhoods while providing high-quality, sustainable work environments that meet the evolving needs of modern businesses.
