Mercury Energy Outdoor Patio

This recently-completed outdoor patio is an extension to the Mercury Energy Headquarters refurbishment which S&T finished last year. Located next to the main vehicular entrance to the business park, this outdoor seating area creates a cleverly screened oasis, protected from the sights and sounds of the surrounding carpark.

As with the interiors, the design was inspired by the people and cultures of Mercury Energy and incorporates soft contours, vibrant colours and the integration of live plants. Curves and rounded corners, reminiscent of Pacific art forms, combine to create a fluid, free-flowing outdoor space where employees can retreat to relax and enjoy their lunch breaks. The addition of bright colours of the parasols and seating also bring the space to life.

Rolling white partition elements envelope the patio and, combined with palm plants and other greenery, create a stark contrast to the surrounding business park. These partition elements were custom-designed for this particular space. The outdoor patio is located on top of a basement car park with a reduced load capacity. The design, therefore, had to be robust but light.

Designers chose to use custom-made, glass fibre reinforced concrete (GRC) to create the main design element. This provides light, solid, clean white objects moulded into a unique design for the partition wall. Each single partition element was created in an s-shape which join together to form a wall of curving shapes. The uniqueness of this solution is that these can be used in any number of different spaces; the hinged elements can be arranged differently according to the needs of individual sites. It also enabled the integration of seats and a planting trough within the single structural element. These elements combine to create a sweeping curvature, visually interesting but clean.

The result is a enhanced working environment for the employees of Mercury Energy.

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