MAAP Headquarters by Clare Cousins

◥ Cycling apparel brand MAAP’S Port Melbourne head office, newly designed by Clare Cousins Architects, occupies a nineteenth-century soap factory. Celebrating the 5.5-metre ceilings and clerestory glazed roof, the predominantly white and light treatment of the existing fabric is punctuated by moments of considered intervention, developed in symmetry with MAAP’S design-centric approach.

Private spaces reflect the changes wrought by the pandemic, and vary in scale and materiality: honest and raw plywood for permanent offices, immersive colour in meeting rooms and softer curtained booths for individual focus. The mezzanine level is home to state-of-the-art smart bikes for those chasing a lunchtime endorphin high.

Additional facilities include a fully equipped laundry and shower suites to support the dedicated cycling commuter.

An industrial-scaled kitchen in buffed stainless steel is home to a professionalgrade coffee machine stocked with enough of Melbourne’s finest beans to satisfy any caffeine requirement.

MAAP HQ was envisioned as a place to imbue a culture of connection and shared learning. It has since become a thriving hub of energy for the company’s employees. Photography — Tess Kelly

Clare Cousins Architects — clarecousins.com.au