CBRE

An interplay of form, material and light

The design for CBRE Sydney is a deliberate and sophisticated interplay of form, material, and light.

The new workplace reflects CBRE’s dynamism, diversity, and leadership across the commercial, residential, and industrial real estate sectors. Located within 363 George Street, the project capitalises on the building’s central core and panoramic views, drawing the energy and skyline of the city deep into the heart of the workplace.

The design process unfolded through a series of considered and strategic interventions, each grounded in concept, materiality, and business objectives. The resulting workplace goes beyond a typical office fitout – it’s a spatial expression of CBRE’s identity: enduring, adaptable, and intrinsically connected to the city.

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By exploring the relationship between positive and negative space – a principle at the heart of real estate – the team developed a design concept that underpins the entire project. A series of built components, articulated as boxes, are arranged to define neighbourhoods for each business line. Each box is clad in timber and frosted glass, guiding wayfinding and maintaining clear sightlines throughout the workplace.

A palette of unconventional, raw building materials further expresses the concept. The central core is wrapped in a ‘Danpalon’ polycarbonate, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of architectural cladding. This treatment transforms the core into a luminous wayfinding element that anchors the workplace and guides movement throughout the space. Meeting room ceilings are finished in OSB board, while perforated, lacquered MDF panels define the breakout zone. On the client floor, the removal of flooring reveals the raw base building slab. These materials not only reflect CBRE’s broad reach across the real estate sector, but also reinforce the authenticity and tactile quality of the space.

The design leverages the workplace’s 360-degree outlook; reflective materials capture and amplify the city skyline, weaving the urban context into the daily experience of the office. Specialist, diffuse lighting enhances work zones, while gridded lighting in the boardroom references the city grid beyond the workplace walls. A palette of green and complementary hues, along with vibrant furniture selections, bring freshness and vitality to the space.