Waterco’s new office rises from the ashes
Waterco Ltd has returned home to Rydalmere in time for Christmas, following the devastating fire that destroyed its office in January 2015.
“We’re thrilled that just 21 months after the fire that gutted our head office building we have moved back in,” says Bryan Goh, Waterco group marketing director.
“Our building is now better than ever, which is a great outcome for both customers and staff. Thanks to the support of our wonderful staff, customers, suppliers, Steadfast I C Frith and our insurer VERO we remained 100 per cent operational from virtually day one after the fire. However, it was a great feeling for all of us to return home.”
The new office was designed by one of Sydney’s top architects, Studio CCP Associate Santo Talarico, and Goh is full of praise for their design, which he says provides state-of-the-art facilities that will take the company into the future.
“While we would have preferred not to have had the inconvenience and distress that accompanied losing our previous building, we are now looking at the positive outcomes that resulted,” he says.
“Our engineering department is among the beneficiaries, with a fully-tooled workshop, offices and sound testing facilities for products. Research and development of cutting edge products has always been at the forefront of Waterco’s business, and these new facilities will really enhance the capabilities of our engineering team.”
The new building, with its recognisable “blade” tower, opens into an airy reception area with beverage area and Welsh slate feature wall. The entire space is flooded with natural light from the stairwell.
The large new showroom has been designed to display Waterco’s product range to advantage, while allowing customers to view everything in comfort. The building complies fully with requirements for disabled visitors and staff, including a lift to the first floor as well as appropriate toilets and showers.
The new building design features low carbon footprint LED lighting throughout, a fully functioning gymnasium, and breakout areas on the ground and first floors for relaxed meetings.
“Staff in the administration area will be surrounded by 114 pot plants to take a little of the stress out of the day,” says Goh.
“We look forward to hanging Christmas decorations in our bright new building in the coming weeks and to welcoming our clients and partners to celebrate our homecoming in the near future.”
