assemble studio features geometric origami ceiling

assemble studio features geometric origami ceiling
all images courtesy of tanja milbourne

the highlight feature of the new assemble studio is its geometric ceiling, comprised of triangular, origami-like folds of timber battens. located in melbourne, the studio was designed by australian architecture and design firm assemble with the help of local organizations. the aim of the new fit-out is to reflect the company’s strong design ethos in its work.

the original ceiling was cluttered with pipes, ductwork, air-conditioning units, smoke detectors and fire alarms. wanting to conceal this labyrinth of pipes and tubing, while still allowing the systems to function properly, the team experimented with folding different sculpted origami forms from paper. this process led to five triangular shapes that are mirrored and repeated eight times across the length of the ceiling. the furniture is all custom-built and is on castor wheels so it can easily be shifted and the interior space reconfigured for events and design workshops.

assemble studio area + meeting area, showing roof detail

the exposed concrete on the side walls is both an attractive aesthetic feature and an energy-saving one. the thermal mass of the building is able to absorb the sun’s rays, while as the same time exposing the ‘bones’ of the building. the ‘inner-beauty’ vibe is carried throughout the space with the marks and notes on the walls made by the builders during construction are still visible. sustainability was a priority for the renovation: all the joinery and ceiling battens are built from sustainably harvested hoop pine plywood, whose timber has been white-washed with a low VOC clear finish. the desktops are finished with marmoleum, an old fashioned flooring material made from linseed oil and natural pigments. the large windows flood light into the interior, allowing the occupants to rely very little on electric lighting.

assemble – studio area with art by jen berrian + pat foster

assemble – front entry

assemble – custom built storage units

assemble – ceiling detail

assemble – ceiling detail

assemble – ceiling detail

assemble – joinery detail

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.