Darling Downs Bank
Commercial Interior Design in Toowoomba
Project Type: Commercial Tenancy Fitout
Project Phase: Construction Completed
The Starting Point
As a blank canvas, The Paradigm Room were engaged by DC3 Work Space to undertake the interior design of the fitout for the Darling Downs Bank’s new Toowoomba branch (formerly Warwick Credit Union).
There were some challenges around the existing structure, security requirements, and budget, but it all came together beautifully in the end with a brilliant project team.
The brief was to create a homely and country feel to the fitout, while offering a contemporary and inviting bank.
The plans
Sam drew up the plans required from earlier phases through to construction, and was involved in regular client meetings to ensure everyone was on the same page throughout the project, especially due to the tight time frame. Plans included:
● The complete floor plan series, including new works, reflected ceiling, joinery and finishes plans.
● Detailed joinery drawings for things like the reception service desk, back-of-house areas, client signing bench, self-service counter, and bespoke wall panelling.
● All schedules and specifications for finishes, fixtures, and equipment.
First, let’s take a look at the architectural design decisions.
NEW WORKS FLOOR PLAN (CROPPED FOR PRIVACY REASONS)
Effective architectural choices
A very efficient floor plate was designed to minimise construction materials, as well as the materials themselves being relatively cost effective. Rectilinear forms took precedence over curves, though we did introduce a curved bulkhead to soften the space.
The design of the layout incorporated power and data ports to minimise the visual interference of cabling while keeping the spaces very functional.
A local photographer and marketing expert was also engaged to help create a custom wall-to-wall photographic wallpaper for the public space, which was complimented with the surrounding finishes.
The Psychology of Interior Design
A clear element in the original client brief was that customers waiting for assistance needed to provide the staff and customers at the service desk a high level of space and privacy, like all banks. However, the challenge was that we weren’t to use typical rope dividers and detract from the homely and inviting feel of the fitout.
So we used 3D forms and finishes to create that space, influencing the way clients behave in a space. The curved bulkhead above the service desk was mirrored on the floor. We used a darker blue carpet tile to represent the personal zone for clients, which was wrapped in the lighter blue and grey carpet tile that offered the main circulation and also waiting line area. Behind this, was a simple charcoal carpet tile that positioned the general zone with some seating, toys for kids, and a signing bench.
Darling Downs Bank - Flooring mirrored from feature ceiling to create zones for clients
Supporting & Representing Local
Darling Downs Bank has a strong community-focused ethos that we brought into the fitout. A large scale wall to wall (and floor to ceiling) photograph was utilised as wallpaper to represent the crop fields around Warwick.
Overall, the project was a great success with very happy clients.
Feature photographic wallpaper within the Darling Downs Bank
Customer service desk at Darling Downs Bank Toowoomba Branch